CAMP ZAMA, Japan (Nov. 2, 2021) – The reopening of a building at Zama American High School after a four-year refurbishment process will allow the school to once again utilize the building’s many classrooms for student instruction and other activities.
ZMHS celebrated the reopening of Bldg. 913 with a ceremony Nov. 1 that included guests and speakers such as the Department of Defense Education Activity director, and the commanders of U.S. Army Japan and U.S. Army Garrison Japan.
In his remarks, USAG Japan Commander Col. Christopher L. Tomlinson said the refurbishment was a well-executed project that served as the latest example of how much Camp Zama and DoDEA school system care for the families at Camp Zama.
“As the garrison commander, caring for families is one of my priorities,” Tomlinson said. “Seeing all the hard work that went into the entire rebuilding and refurbishing process is a proud moment.”
Also speaking at the event were two members of the ZMHS student body, representing the first group of beneficiaries that will be able to utilize Bldg. 913.
Natalie Purvis, sixth-grade class president, was part of the first class of sixth-graders that transitioned from elementary to middle school this year. She said that although there were many unknowns and questions she and her classmates had as they prepared for the transition, the older students at ZMHS have been very helpful as they adapted to their new school.
“ZMHS students overcome challenges together as one,” Natalie said. “Zama is a great school, [and] this building is a great addition.”
Charlotte Patterson, a senior and student council president, said that nothing on a military base stays the same. People leave, buildings get torn down, and new ones are rebuilt, she said.
“But one constant is the type of students that the military creates.” Patterson said. “ZMHS students know how to be resilient.”
The ceremony represented that resilience of ZMHS students from the past, present and future, Patterson said.
Lois Rapp, the DoDEA Pacific director for Student Excellence, expressed her appreciation to the attendees by saying that each and every one of them contributed to make the refurbishment a successful project.
The updated building will also serve as a recruiting tool for Camp Zama to show that ZMHS is a great place for children to be, Rapp said.
“We created a great environment for our students,” said Rapp.
Date Taken: | 11.02.2021 |
Date Posted: | 11.02.2021 01:30 |
Story ID: | 408487 |
Location: | ZAMA, KANAGAWA, JP |
Web Views: | 30 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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