Almost 2,000 people toured the high school Sunday for the new building’s open house and dedication.

Monday, April 23, 2001

Almost 2,000 people toured the high school Sunday for the new building’s open house and dedication. The three-hour celebration was the first opportunity for many people to wander the school’s halls and see its features firsthand.

&uot;It certainly is a beautiful building,&uot; said Marie Vosler of Albert Lea. &uot;I’m very impressed. We’ve all heard so many good things.&uot;

Marie’s husband Bill said he has been anxious to see the interior of the building and see its design.

&uot;The natural wood and glass and light, they did a fine job of design, I think,&uot; he said. &uot;It’s a far cry from my high school days – especially the auditorium and media center.&uot;

During a ceremony in the gymnasium, Superintendent Dr. David Prescott dedicated the school to the community that helped design and plan the building.

&uot;We were able to build this school because a group of people in the community who care about kids came together,&uot; Prescott said. Other speakers included Principal Al Root, Mayor Bob Haukoos, School Board Chair Carol Haun and project architect Jon Crump.

The high school officially opened after Thanksgiving, though a few contractors have been completing detail work for several months.

Mike Moore, a community member who chaired the facility study committee, said he could hardly believe the dedication day had arrived after nearly five years of study and planning.

&uot;I can’t believe we’re here in this amazing building,&uot; he said.

After the laying of the cornerstone and ribbon cutting, tours of the school resumed. Each family was given a dedication magazine filled with color photographs and detailed explanations of the school’s features.

Norieta Rippentrop of Albert Lea wished her own children had been able to attend the new school, though she still felt a close connection to the old Central High School building.

&uot;They used the old high school as long as they could, and we’ll all miss it, but that’s progress,&uot; she said. &uot;I think they did a wonderful job with this building.&uot;

Jim Rippentrop said he felt compelled to visit the new high school to make sure his tax dollars were put to good use.

&uot;I’m very pleased. It’s really something, more like a college atmosphere, &uot; he said. &uot;There’s a lot of space. It has great design and architecture.&uot;