Holman gym dedicated

JACKSON — When Holman School Principal Jeanne Pollock told the fifth-grade pupils who helped her cut a ceremonial red ribbon that they could now "play ball" in their new gymnasium, they did not need to be told twice.

The 15 pupils — who moments before were picture perfect while helping their gym teacher cut the ribbon that signified the official opening of the school’s first gym — happily ran toward the basketballs that were waiting for them.

"Look how excited they are," Pollock said. "This means so much to them, and to all of us."

According to a press release from the Jackson school district, the 12,400-square-foot gym was approved as part of a 2002 referendum that included several projects to begin meeting the needs of the district’s growing enrollment.

Other projects included the building of a gym­nasium at the Switlik Elemen-tary School (under construction), the new Elms Elementary School (opened in September); and Jackson’s second high school (under construction).

Although the ceremonial ribbon cut­ting was held last week, the pupils have been using the gym for several weeks.

For the "official" opening, Pollock called on physical education teacher Margaretta Contreras to cut the red rib­bon.

"Mrs. Contreras is retiring this year after teaching for 30 years in a cafeteria and sometimes in a classroom or a hall­way," Pollock said. "There is no one who appreciates this space more than she does."

Contreras said she was honored by the gesture.

During the ceremony, Board of Education President Michael Hanlon thanked the residents of Jackson for ap­proving the project.

"We are able to provide this much-needed space because of you," he said.

Pollock spoke about Lucy N. Holman, the former district principal for whom the school is named, saying she hopes she is "somewhere smiling down on us."

Special guest Frank Holman III, the grandson of Lucy N. Holman, said he was sure she was.

"I love seeing my grandma’s name on the front of this school," Holman said. "It is a great honor for her."