Sanford, FL – On October 27, 2016, Wharton-Smith, Inc., one of Central Florida’s largest locally based general contractors, joined with students, faculty, family members, and representatives from Orange County Public Schools for a dedication ceremony celebrating the grand opening of the new Millennia Gardens Elementary School.
Held in the new school’s cafetorium, the ceremony opened with a heartfelt thank you from Principal Anne Lynaugh followed by the presentation of colors, Star Spangled Banner sung by the Wallaby Chorus, and enthusiastic remarks given by Orange County School Board member Kat Gordon to supportive parents, families, teachers and community members in helping make the new school a reality.
The new two-story, 85,000-square-foot facility located off of Millennia Boulevard, features state-of-the-art classrooms, media center, computer labs, art and music labs, multi-purpose/cafeteria, and new playfields for approximately 830 students. The elementary school alleviates overcrowding at the existing Millennia Elementary School.
Superintendent Dr. Barbara Jenkins gave thanks to the community for investing in the new school. “Thank you to our community members – our taxpayers – for helping to fulfill our mission of leading our students to success through the support and involvement of families and the community,” she said. Jenkins presented the students and staff of the school with a framed quote about moving forward by Jodi Chapman depicting a Wallaby and Kangaroo, mascots of the two Millennia elementary schools.
Jenkins ended her remarks by leading the students in an excited chant of “I will,” promising to always keep their new school clean, always obey their teachers and parents, and most importantly, agreeing to put their best foot forward towards achieving success. The dedication concluded with a time capsule ceremony, dedication of oak trees to be planted on site, and an official ribbon cutting.
Photographs from the event are located on the Wharton-Smith Flickr page.
