Calvert Middle School Dedicates New Building With a Little Help From Friends
On Saturday, March 5, the long process that was the building of the new Calvert Middle School in Prince Frederick had an epilogue of sorts.
The school held a dedication ceremony featuring several speakers and student performances.
Calvert Middle School Principal Bruce Hutchison was one of the speakers at the ceremony.
"It was fun; I had a good time," said Hutchison who said he acknowledged all former Calvert Middle School graduates in the audience.
The main attraction of the event, however, was the students.
Hutchison said there were presentations done by Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, a "beautifully done" performance of "Lean on Me" by the school chorus and more music from the school band, strings orchestra and "DREAM Assemble," which Hutchison said performs African rhythms on the drums.
He also said the meal following the dedication was prepared and served by Calvert Middle School students and that there were student health and robotics projects on display in the school hallways.
Following the dedication, Hutchison said tours of the new building were given to guests.
"It was fabulous. … We are in love with this place," he said.
In addition to Hutchison, the speakers included Calvert County Board of Education President William "Bill" Chambers, the executive director of Maryland's public school construction program David Lever, Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (D-Calvert, Prince George's), Calvert County Board of County Commissioners' President Susan Shaw (R) and Calvert County Public Schools Superintendent Jack Smith.
Hutchison said also in attendance were Del. Mark Fisher (R-Calvert), Del. Anthony J. O'Donnell (R-Calvert, St. Mary's), numerous past and present Calvert County commissioners and board of education members, former delegate Sue Kullen and Calvert County Registrar of Wills Margaret Phipps (D), who is also Hutchison's mother-in-law.
The $23-million school opened to students last fall and Hutchison said the transition has been completely worth it.
Calvert County Public Schools Director of School Construction George R. Leah Jr. said it was fulfilling to see that the community enjoys the new building as much as staff and students at Calvert Middle School.
"They certainly deserved it," he said of the Calvert Middle School community.
Leah also credited Scheibel Construction, the builders behind the project, but said the students were the main attraction of the event.
"The heck with us grownups — the kids stole the program," Leah said.