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San Ramon Valley High School’s new gym is officially open, with Friday’s ceremony drawing about 100 people, many of them alumni and retired teachers.
The gym has been a long time coming; money for the project was approved in 2002 as part of the Measure A bond and wound up as the last work to be done under the bond measure. It was shut with little warning in 2008 when it was determined it probably could not withstand a major earthquake.
In July 2009, Native American remains were found by construction workers digging a water line. More remains were found as the foundation was dug, stopping the project as archeologists were brought in for a dig.
Although it’s been open for sporting events, Friday was the first opportunity for the curious to see the new building, which includes some small classrooms in addition to a pristine new facility. A green vinyl sheet to protect the new floor and artwork commemorating the school and its team, the Wolves, are among the gym’s features.
Some much-loved retired teachers were invited back to the school for the opening, including Mike O’Gorman, a former English teacher and coach who retired in the 1960s and is now in his 90s.
O’Gorman called the new gym “a handsome facility,” pointing out that the original gym was built more than 70 years ago as a WPA (Works Projects Administration) project during the depression under President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal program. O’Gorman, who describes himself as “a young 95,” was accompanied by Sherlee Bradley, who taught English and French from 1953 through 1957, while Marie Magnon, who taught French from 1978 to 1984 was brought by a former student, Anne Lord Ludvik, who, with a number of former students, stays in touch with Magnon.
Also in the crowd of about 100 — which might have been bigger without the downpour Friday — was Millie Freitas, who graduated in 1936, and K.C. Evans, who was named an All American in Football and a 3-sport athlete who graduated in 1961.
Music was provided by the school’s jazz ensemble and the Treble Clef Choir, led by Ken Abrams.
Principal Joe Ianora, who attended with his three children, spoke briefly, pointing out local officials, graduates and former teachers, but much of the event was people talking privately about the past, watching a slide show of the school’s history, and touring the new facility.
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Retired teachers Mike O’Gorman and Shirlee Bradley applaud the Treble Clef Choir, which performed at Friday’s grand opening of the new San Ramon Valley High School gym. -
Members of San Ramon Valley High School’s Treble Clef Choir clap along as they perform during Friday’s grand opening of the new school gym. -
Former San Ramon Valley High School French teacher Marie Wagnon, left, greets a former SRVHS student during Friday’s grand opening celebration at the new school gym. Anne Lord Ludvik, rear, drove her former French teacher to the event.
We are so glad we stopped by and experienced the aft. at the new gym. It’s a outstanding facility and the people involved were the very best! The little band, the choir, the wonderful ongoing show the class put together, on the screen. And the young people that served the appetizers, being great hosts; were just top notch. None of our sons were in the area, to participate; but we have been telling them about the teachers we visited with and the great students and facility involved. Class acts, one and all!
Sorry it was such a rainy day, as I know there would have been a much bigger turnout; if the weather hadn’t made it difficult to get parking etc. But those of us that did get there, were greatly pleased that we did.
The retired French teacher in the photo is my mother. She enjoyed the event a great deal. However, her last name is Wagnon not Magnon.