SOUTHERN GYM RENOVATIONS

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By Robert Balajadia

Governor Eddie Baza Calvo comments on the patience that the Southern Dolphins endured prior to the re-opening of the gym and auditorium. (photo by Jesse Castro)

About a year ago, the Government of Guam signed a $2.9 million dollar contract agreement to have the Southern High School gym and auditorium renovated. On the Saturday morning of August 17th, the renovations and repairs were completed and presented to the public.

Students of Southern, faculty, staff, government officials and plenty of alumni all attended the ribbon cutting ceremony to welcome a in a new era of Southern high school sports and shows in a wonderfully built auditorium.

The gymnasium received a big upgrade, not only structural and foundational, but a few noticeable cosmetics. The gym floor was completely renovated, giving it a fresh smooth rubber exterior, just in time for the defending champion girls volleyball team to break in.

Various rooms have also been added to wings of the gym, including a weight room where students can now work out during lunch and after school, and even a room being set up for your not-so-average activities like rock climbing.

Dignitaries stand in front of the newly renovated gym to participate in the Southern Dolphins’ ribbon cutting for the re-opening of the gym and auditorium. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Governor Eddie Baza Calvo lit up the opening ceremony in his address with an animated story of how the Southern renovations have been a long time coming and finished his greeting strong with the crowd responding, “Biba Southern!”

Visitors were then led to the auditorium where an entertaining show was put on by the Southern High school’s cultural dance club.

Governor Calvo and DOE Superintendant Jon Fernandez then hit the court for a shoot around to conclude the ceremony where the Governor outlasted Fernandez in the honorary free throws.

In honor of the new gym, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament was put on to allow the faculty, staff and students to feel out their new gym.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Governor Eddie Baza Calvo participates in breaking in the newly renovated Southern Dolphins’ gym by warming up on the basketball court and shooting some jumpers. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Superintendent Jon Fernandez takes a moment to prepare his shot. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Sothern Dolphins’ Principal Rosalin Meeks opening remarks recalls the journey that it took to get the gym and auditorium renovated for student use. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Southern Dolphins’ cultural dance club blessed the day with a traditional Chamorro blessing chant. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Southern Dolphins’ cultural dance club provided some entertainment for the attendees of the ribbon cutting ceremony at the newly renovated auditorium. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Southern Dolphins’ JROTC and 2013 alumni Heaven Aguon open the ribbon cutting ceremony with the National Anthem and Guam Hymn. (photo by Jesse Castro)

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