SIDNEY — It’s “Time to Chill” in the newly air conditioned auditorium at Sidney High School. The campaign was launched earlier in the school year and was officially dedicated Monday afternoon.
Stephanie Wilson, president of the Sidney Music Boosters and a member of the air conditioning committee, welcomed those in attendance to the dedication.
“It’s my sincere pleasure to welcome you to the dedication ceremony for the newly air conditioned SHS Auditorium and Music Wing. This community’s passion for investment in its future continue to amaze and inspire me,” said Wilson.
“Today’s ceremony highlights — and is a tangible reminder of — our mission…to inspire a lifelong passion for learning in the areas of music and the arts, and help our kids become the best version of themselves, with integrity, responsibility; and creativity at the core.
“This is made possible, in part, by our unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality teaching and learning environment for our faculty and students. These newly upgraded facilities are a bold reflection of that commitment,” said Wilson.
She thanked the investors in the Time to Chill campaign for their philanthropic leadership.
“I must also express my deep appreciation and sincere gratitude to our partners on this project – Trane for their timely delivery and quality installation of the equipment, and Eleven Fifty-Seven for the donor board you see before you to commemorate this event. Thank you for bringing our vision to life,” said Wilson.
“I am so pleased that celebrating with us today are members of our board and community whose significant contributions to — and leadership within — the Time to Chill campaign have helped us reach this important milestone,” she said.
The Time to Chill Board includes Bob Humble, SHS superintendent Mike Watkins, treasurer, Jason McClain and Mike Shonk, facilities; Dave Ross, SHS graduate, Hall of Honor member and lifelong supporter; Chris Gibbs, SHS graduate, president of the Gateway Arts Council and lifelong supporter; and Wilson, manager, Emerson Commercial & Residential Solutions.
Major donors recognized Monday were Emerson Commercial & Residential Solutions, Dave Ross, Sidney City Schools, Cargill Inc. and Sidney Music Boosters.
The board of education members — Bob Smith, Mandi Croft, Linda Meininger, Jason Schaffner and Chip Hix — were recognized as supporters of the project.
“It has been an honor to serve with this fine group of individuals, and it is with great pride I stand here to celebrate this milestone with you. Reaching a major milestone like this can only be achieved through incredible teamwork,” said Wilson.
“For many of you here today, this moment has been a very long time in coming. Thank you for your steadfast belief in our school and our mission. This Jacket community has proven once again that we won’t back down and we won’t give in.
“On behalf of the boosters and board; thank you to everyone who has invested in the Time to Chill campaign. Please take just a moment to reflect on the collective power of your generosity and be proud of what we can accomplish together,” said Wilson.
After the ceremony, Wilson expressed her appreciation for the assistance Tiffany Rank, SCS communications director, provided with marketing materials and advertising the project.
Ross told those present that he had been in Sidney High School three of the past four nights. On Friday, he was present for the Hall of Honor inductions, Saturday night for the Gateway Arts Council’s Osmond Brothers concert and Monday for the air conditioning dedication.
He said the Osmond audience members came from Lima, Dayton and Kentucky for the Osmond concert.
“They drove around a little bit and they complimented me on the town and the facility,” said Ross. “From their point of reference, we’ve always had air conditioning.
“I think we can see what a piece to the puzzle this thing is,” he said. “But I always want to point out at such a time there’s another project that I’ve also been pleased to support downtown and what may appear to be similar. another auditorium, theater, that I view as being a great compliment to what’s here.”
