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03/30/2021 12:00 AMA multimedia upgrade to the gymnasium at Valley Regional High School (VRHS) will occur this spring, thanks to funds donated from the Region 4 Education Foundation and Class of 1970. The project will include the installation of a 16- by 10-foot electronic screen on a wall in the gym and a projection system mounted on the ceiling.
The new technologies will also connect with an existing sound system, according to VRHS Principal Michael Barile, who spoke about the project at the March 4 Region 4 Board of Education (BOE) meeting.
The project will “turn the gym into a real interactive space,” said Barile. “Whether it be with pep rallies and exciting images to display or recognitions of outstanding performances by various students…to things at half time and replays” during sporting events.
It could also potentially turn the gymnasium into another venue for events, for attendee overflow of musical productions in the auditorium, or indoor graduations, according to Barile.
The $12,000 needed for the project was provided by a $6,000 grant from the Region 4 Education Foundation and a matching gift by the Class of 1970 in honor of its 50th reunion.
Essex Selectman Bruce Glowac, a member of the Class of 1970, had contacted Barile about a potential gift, especially with the class’s 50th reunion being canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I said, ‘If you ever have something up there that is not a budget item, but is a kind of capital improvement, let us know, because we’re looking for something to do for the school,’” said Glowac by phone with the Courier.
Once the project was decided on, Glowac “made several calls and came back with enthusiasm and excitement to match the donation from the R4 Foundation from various members of his class,” said Barile.
The donations to the school for the project were unanimously accepted and approved at the March 4 BOE meeting. The installation is anticipated to start in May.