Little Rock Central High hosts topping out ceremony for new science wing
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A historic building is moving into the modern age with the final piece of the puzzle being lifted into place at Little Rock Central High.
A topping-out ceremony was held for the school’s new science wing, marking the addition of the final structural beam in the building’s skeleton.
Once complete, the new state-of-the-art building will house science labs and classes and will also be the school’s first new academic building since its opening in 1927.
The lifted beam had some decorations to mark the occasion: a Christmas tree symbolizing a safe project, two American flags and a tiger balloon in a nod to Central High’s mascot.
But it wasn’t just the decor that made the ceremony special; the lead architect on the new science wing is none other than a Central High graduate herself.
“The Little Rock School District set me up for a career in architecture, and so now I get to use my skills and my talents to give back to the district and to the city, really,” lead architect Sarah Bennings said. “So that’s just really special to me.”
Another alum, Michael Mason, president of the school board, added, “It’s almost 100 years old, all those facilities that we had when we were… when I was in school in 1976, are still here. So, this upgrade means a lot for the community, students, for the future.”
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Also at the event, staff, students, and even the construction team were able to host a beam signing to leave their mark on the exciting new project.
School board members in attendance also pointed out that the new addition may open the door to other district updates with older high schools now the focus of potential upgrades.
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