LISBON FALLS — The first Saturday of the new year was celebrated in the town of Lisbon as history was being made on the campus of Lisbon High School, 2 Sugg Drive.

Superintendent Richard Green welcomed guests for a ceremony commemorating the official ground breaking for the new school gymnasium.

Green acknowledged Lisbon School Committee members Traci Austin, Kathi Yergin, George Caron, Pete Reed, Gina Mason and former member Marcey Crosskill for their support in providing the guidance and direction bringing the construction to fruition.

“Over the last 13 years, I have been part of many conversations and served on several committees to discuss the need for a new gymnasium,” said Green. “I believe the most important conversations occurred during a ‘Future Search’ where over 80 members of the community volunteered to be part of a weekend two-day workshop to help create a Strategic Educational Plan that would guide us through the next several years. It was during these discussions that a list of ‘prouds’ and ‘sorries’ was created. It became clear the facilities, specifically the need for a new gymnasium was the biggest concern/sorry.”

Green thanked and recognized the commitment citizens made to the School Department supporting the district’s goal to provide the residents and taxpayers in Lisbon and Lisbon Falls a good return on their investments.

The superintendent also thanked the current and past members of the Facilities Committee, Tim Carville, Don Fellows, Richard Main, Fern Larochelle and Dean Willey, for their countless hours of time and dedication.

Members of the Town Council Finance Committee were recognized for this collaboration of support throughout the planning process. Green introduced David Lewis, the Owners Representative; Ryan Kanteres and Nathaniel Cram from Scott Simons Architects; Eric Dube from Casco Bay Engineering; Denis Landry, owner of Landry/French Construction; Ryan Landry, assistant project manager; and Scott Christing, project supervisor.

Assistant Superintendent Heather Wilmot, Cathy Messmer, Lisbon’s business manager, and Darrell Orr, facilities and transportation director, were acknowledged for their efforts behind the scenes moving the process forward with support from the administrative team and Central Office staff.

“What seemed like an impossible dream in Lisbon became a reality today,” said Green. “Today marks a proud day in the history for the citizens of Lisbon and for generations of students.”

For more information on future developments, school program, partnerships in education and volunteer opportunities within the Lisbon School District, visit Community Resource News in Lisbon Schools on Facebook, visit www.lisbonschoolsme.org or email [email protected].