I would like to offer special thanks to the citizen visionaries who realized the need for a recreational facility in the eastern corridor of Suffolk.

These citizens, with steadfast determination, worked diligently and tirelessly to fulfill the need that was evident at 138 S. 6th St.

These dedicated warriors kept pressing forward and accomplished their mission. Among them were: Vice Mayor Curtis Milteer; City Council members; the East Suffolk Alumni Association; Mayor Linda Johnson; City Manager Selena Cuffee-Glenn; Debbie George, director of media and community relations; Lakita Frazier, director of Suffolk Parks and Recreation; Gerry L. Jones, capital programs and buildings; W. Ross Boone, president of the East Suffolk Alumni Association; Marian Wright, financial secretary of the East Suffolk Alumni Association; Chuck Caton and his team, of Virtexco Corp., who meticulously renovated the school into a state-of-the-art recreational center; Lorraine B. Skeeter, Suffolk School Board chairperson; Suffolk School Superintendent Milton Liverman; Bethanne Bradshaw, community relations officer for the school system; and Johnnie Edwards, founder of the East Suffolk Federated Civic League.

Councilman Charles Brown thanked those attending the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremonies for having faith, hope and patience as they awaited the renovation. He emphasized that great things can happen when we all work together for a good cause, for things that can benefit all mankind.

Councilmen from other city boroughs expressed similar sentiments.

Thanks also to the various civic league presidents and the members of their respective organizations.

Throughout he years, as I passed my alma mater, my reaction was one of sadness as I saw the deterioration of my beloved high school. All of that has changed now to joy, happiness and pride.

Now, my former school stands reborn as a beautiful, state-of-the-art recreational center that is fully equipped to fill the many physical needs of our citizens.

There it stands today as a place for well-rounded programs designed to meet the needs of the whole Suffolk community.

Once again, thanks to the visionaries and outstanding supporters responsible for the project’s success.