Copyright © 2005 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved
News from the Cherokee Nation, OK
Copyright © 2005 CNO
TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - The skyline is changing at Sequoyah High School (SHS). If you’ve driven past the school lately, you’ve probably noticed the large metal pillars reaching for the clouds and the dozens of hard-hat wearing workers scurrying about. All of this commotion and metal is a big deal for SHS students, staff and supporters; it’s the beginnings of what will be the school’s new multi-purpose center.
Construction is progressing on Sequoyah High School’s new multi-purpose center. 
"It will be nice to play (basketball) at home," said Larry Grigg, SHS boys’ basketball coach and athletic director. "People can come and watch us play and have a comfortable seat."
The new multi-purpose center, scheduled to open in January 2006, will not only house in-door athletic events like basketball games, volleyball games and wrestling competitions, but will also have a stage suitable for concerts and graduation, a student recreation area, a kitchen, four classrooms, and 1,769 seats.
"We really need this space," said Gina Stanley, SHS superintendent.
Enrollment at SHS has steadily risen over the past few years, causing the school to pack classrooms and place students on a waiting list for entry.
"We have a lot to offer students," Stanley said. "I’m glad that everyone is realizing what a great school Sequoyah is. We have a dedicated staff that always puts the student first. Having too many students interested in coming to our school, is a good problem to have."
Not only are students interested in attending Sequoyah, but the community is interested in supporting Sequoyah and its’ athletics. Fans packed the Muskogee Civic Center and the Briggs School gym to watch the SHS basketball teams compete this year. Home games had to be played in these locations to accommodate the number of fans that showed up to support the basketball teams. The existing gym at SHS was just too small to hold everyone.
"We estimate that we spent more than $5,000 renting these facilities over the last two years," Grigg said.
Rent payments aren’t the only loss the school sees by playing home games in rented facilities. The school also looses profit on concession sales and gate entry.
"This new building is a great investment in the school," Stanley said. "It will pay off in the long run."
Local construction contractors are already feeling the pay off. Upon completion, the building will cost a total of $6 million, with an estimated 60-70 percent of the total cost being pumped back into the Cherokee County economy through the use of local contractors. SHS will also add two new staff positions once the building is open and operational.
The benefits of the new building don’t stop there. School administrators have found a way to use this project as a teaching tool.
"We’re video taping the various phases of construction and using it to teach the students about construction management and show them that there are a lot of professions out there that they may not have considered," Stanley said. "The whole project is a win-win situation for the school, the community and the Cherokee Nation."
| Related Cherokee Nation contact information: |
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Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org
Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager |
Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org
Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation |