Hardy Elementary School marked a high-rising ceremony on Friday, September 1.The school community gathered to watch as a final steel beam was raised into place at their new school building, currently under construction.
All Hardy students, teachers, and staff - and a few public officials - had the chance to sign the beam, which per tradition was painted white and topped by an evergreen tree.
As described by Shawmut Design and Construction, the project’s construction manager, “the last steel beam placed is a major milestone in the evolution of any major building project. This milestone is commemorated by painting the beam white, adoring it with a small evergreen, an American flag and inviting all those involved in the project to sign the beam. The evergreen tree is a key symbol. In the steel trade, it has come to signify positive outlooks and the bestowment of good luck to all future occupants.”
The new Hardy School, which is being built behind the existing one, is scheduled to open in August 2024. The new Hunnewell School, which had its own beam ceremony almost a year ago, is scheduled to open on time in February 2024.
Pictured below is the new school building site, and School and Town officials who joined in the celebration (from left to right): Dr. David Lussier, WPS Superintendent, Sharon Gray, former School Building Committee chair; Catherine Mirick, School Committee member; Meghan Jop, Town of Wellesley Executive Director; and Leda Eizenberg, School Committee member.