Submitted by Sheridan Community Schools
It was a night of celebration and community as Sheridan Schools unveiled the United Animal Health Blackhawk Fieldhouse to a packed house.
Speaking to the nearly 400 people in attendance, Superintendent Dr. Dave Mundy had words of thanks in his opening remarks, as well as a history of the project that began with community planning sessions over two years ago. He praised past and present board members, students, staff, and the community, adding that he had “the greatest job in the world, that Sheridan had the greatest teachers, greatest staff, and the greatest community.”
The evening began in the current gym with an incredible dinner prepared by the Sheridan cafeteria staff, with performances by the Sheridan Choir under the direction of Libby Doublestein, who had just returned from performing at Carnegie Hall.
Dr. Mundy noted, “Not only are we thriving athletically, our performing arts department is reaching levels of success never seen before.”
Representing the Board of School Trustees, Board President Dan Fleming began his remarks with an introduction of elected officials in attendance. Fleming explained that the duties of a school board “boil down to three main duties: protect the tax rate, set policies for the district, and hire the superintendent.”
Fleming explained how this project fell under safeguarding the tax rate, which is particularly important in a district that includes townships in the two fastest-growing counties of the state – Hamilton and Boone. Fleming explained that all the funds from the recent referendum are dedicated to “compensating our exceptional teachers, further solidifying our commitment to educational excellence here in Sheridan,” and that no referendum funds supported this building project. He added with pride that since this project broke ground in 2022, the school portion of Sheridan taxpayers’ rate has decreased each year.
Athletic Director Beth DeVinney recapped a historically phenomenal athletic year for the Blackhawks and talked about how the facility enhancements will support the proud Sheridan athletic tradition. She went on to spotlight how sports are so much more than championships, stating, “Through sports, we instill values that extend far beyond the field or court – values like discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.”
The project includes a two-gym floor fieldhouse, which will be used for physical education classes, practices, and the community. It also includes a state-of-the-art fitness and weight room, locker rooms, concessions, and classrooms. The new spirit shop, operated by staff and students, and led by Allison Waitt and Brenda Ransom, is another source of pride in the new facility.
Praising the proud Sheridan heritage, High School Principal Rick Davis recognized the many connections among the audience. He asked the following groups to stand: anyone who was at the dedication of the Larry Hobbs Gym, Sheridan graduates, parents/grandparents or current or former students, and current or former SCS employees a.k.a. “difference makers.”
Before Dr. Mundy called up students and leaders for the ribbon cutting, he took the opportunity to thank the donors who made the event possible: Beck’s Hybrids, Bragg Sports Media Network, Biddle Foundation, CCHA, Creekside Chiropractic, CSO Architects, Deco Indy, Duke Energy, First Farmers Bank & Trust, Godby Home Furnishings, Jack Laurie Group, Keever’s Sheridan Hardware, Lee Company, OneZone, Patton Automotive, RL Turner, Sheridan Education Foundation, Sheridan Lions Club, Sheridan Youth Assistance Program, Snyder Strategy Real Estate, The Farmer’s Bank, Town of Sheridan, United Animal Health, Veregy, Waitt Grain Company, and WKRP Indy Real Estate.
Mundy added that due to the overwhelming support, donations of $2,500 each are being made to Sheridan Youth Assistance and Sheridan Education Foundation.
After the formal program, students guided guests on tours of the new facilities. The response from visitors was overwhelmingly positive. Mundy finished by noting, “It was another Great Day to be a Blackhawk.”
Photos provided by Dwight Casler
Photos provided by Sheridan Community Schools