Parents, students, staff, and members of the community gathered at this ceremony to celebrate the final construction of the first facility, The Two-Story Science Building, out of more to come.
The ceremony started off with introducing all attendees to the ceremony, on behalf of the Los Angeles Unified School District, followed by Kennedy’s NJROTC and band leading in the National Anthem. Following that, there was a performance from Kennedy’s Color Guard.
A speech was given by Alberto M Carvalho, a four-time National Superintendent of the Year and current LAUSD Superintendent, recognizing John F Kennedy High School as among one of the greatest in the nation and recognizing other people that have made this project possible.
Scott Schmerelson, President of Board District 3, next gave a speech acknowledging the work and effort that went behind the construction of the new building.
Kennedy’scheer, drumline, and Mariachi De Oro gave performances.
LAUSD’s Christina Toker, the first female director of facility, spoke in regards to the new building. Toker described this building as one of the first steps to a new advanced and safe school for the future. When starting this project it was taken into account that although the buildings on campus might have looked fine, there were improvements to be made regarding the seismic resistance. The new building will prove increased strength against seismic activity along with other innovative technology to ensure the safety of the students at Kennedy.
Next was Kennedy’s principal, Oscar Vazquez, who gave a short speech of the new building, acknowledging those who helped in its production and explaining the significance of the new facility.
“You’re not just celebrating these structures, but the future, but the bright future of every student that walks through these doors,” Vazquez said in his speech.
Lastly was the official cutting of the ribbon done by District Superintendent Alberto M Carvalho, LAUSD Board Member Scott Schmerelson, and Principal Oscar Vazquez.
Other advancements that the students will be granted within the new building will be the state-of-the-art science classrooms and more modern additions that the current structure has.
The first construction works started the first semester of the 2023-2024 school year and with much wait
will be available for teachers to begin moving in after Spring Break.
Sara Wilson, biology teacher and MMED Board Coordinator, is among one of the teachers to move into the new Science Building.
“Timing is tough,” says Wilson, although she says it would be nice to move into a new classroom. Especially for a science class, there is a lot of stuff to pack and unpack, which can be a hassle in the middle of the school year.