Community, students dedicate Houston High School

BIG LAKE --The Valley's newest high school was dedicated Thursday night at a ceremony honoring those who labored for years to make the dream a reality.

"When we combine our energy and resolution mixed with grit and determination, we can do great things," said Mike Vrvilo, Houston High School Principal.

The Houston High School student government recognized Sen. Lyda Green for sponsoring the legislation that helped fund the school's construction, as well as Sen. Scott Ogan and Reps. Vic Kohring and Bev Masek for co-sponsoring Senate Bill 11.

"Thank you all for investing in our future," said Kortnie Westfall, the school's student council president. "We promise to make you all proud."

English teacher Marcia Beck said that with a new school comes a new philosophy. Houston's philosophy, she said, is one of building pathways and champions. Students will develop a four-year plan in which they'll set long-term goals and learn the skills to achieve them.

"Students will see and value the connection between academic courses and real world opportunities," Beck said.

She said Houston High promises an education that is "rigorous, relevant, and results oriented."

As a parade of children of all ages filed onto the school's stage, school board president Mike Chmielewski welcomed the future classes of Houston High.

"May children grace the halls of this building for decades to come," he said.