AHS Celebrates Ribbon Cutting

On Monday, July 21, a crowd gathered at the new main entrance of Avon High School to celebrate a milestone. A major renovation and expansion project has been underway for three years — planning began a couple of years before that. The project, which has been referred to as the 'Making Room for More' project, will draw to a close this fall.

We are grateful to all the friends, community leaders, and partners — especially design-build contractors Performance Services — who joined us to celebrate.

In addition to the photos below, Principal Matt Shockley has allowed us to share his speech from the event. It captures the motivation for the project and underscores the impact it will make for decades to come.

Matt Shockley's Message

Good morning! I am Matt Shockley, Principal of Avon High School. It is with immense pride and gratitude that I welcome you to this truly special occasion – the official ribbon cutting ceremony for our newly renovated and expanded high school.

This project was more than just making room for more. It was about capturing the hearts and minds of our staff, students, and community in building a facility and school campus that they deserve and can be proud of. Principal Matt Shockley

Over the weekend, I went through some email to see when conversations began around this project. It was in 2020 — so nearly five years ago. And yes, that was right in the midst of COVID. So, we did not even allow a worldwide pandemic to delay casting a vision of what Avon High School would look like.

The theme of this and all projects across the school district is “Making Room for More.” No doubt, we had to make room. In my 12 years as principal, I have seen 900 more students enter our doors, walk the hallways, and sit in our classrooms. Enrollment is at 3,525 students as of today. But this project was more than just making room for more. It was about capturing the hearts and minds of our staff, students, and community in building a facility and school campus that they deserve and can be proud of. It was about giving our teachers the tools and learning environments to inspire, engage, and empower the next generation of Avon Orioles.

To our students – you have been so cooperative and understanding throughout construction. May this school be a safe place known for caring, meaningful relationships between students and staff; for laughter and fond memories; for academic achievement and excellence in our co/extra-curricular programs, and sound preparation and mentoring for your chosen life path beyond Avon High School.

To the AHS staff – I truly thank you for your patience, your flexibility, and your unwavering commitment during this transition. Bricks and mortar are NOT what make Avon High School special. It is the people who come every day who love kids, pour their heart in to their craft – all in support of our mission.

Bricks and mortar are NOT what make Avon High School special. It is the people who come every day who love kids, pour their heart in to their craft – all in support of our mission. Principal Matt Shockley

To our families, community members, and patrons – thank you for your continued support of our students, staff and programs. You have trusted us and believed in this vision of investing in our future.

And finally, to everyone who had a hand in the planning, design, and construction – your work has created more than just a building. You have left a lasting legacy to this community, ensuring that Avon Community School Corporation students will Belong, Learn and Grow for decades to come.

So, with great excitement and deep appreciation, let us continue with this ribbon-cutting ceremony and open the next chapter of Avon High School mission to Inspire, Engage, and Empowers students.

Photos