[StBernard] Chalmette High School unveils new athletic complex today

[Westley Annis]

Chalmette High School unveils new athletic complex today
By Bob Warren, The Times-Picayune 
March 19, 2010, 10:50AM

St. Bernard Parish school officials this morning publicly unveiled the
second phase of an ambitious remaking of Chalmette High School more than
four years after Hurricane Katrina and the levee breaches filled it with
floodwaters.

During a ceremony and tour, school district leaders gathered with a host of
state, federal and local leaders to snip the ribbon on the athletic complex
that was built as part of the new high school complex.

The athletic complex includes a large gymnasium, an Olympic-sized indoor
pool and natatorium, fitness center with treadmills, weights and a host of
other machines, and a workout area for wrestlers that will enable the school
to host wrestling meets.

The complex is part of a $60 million-plus remaking of the high school, which
is the lone public high school in St. Bernard Parish under the district's
post-hurricane school restructuring.

Last September the 9th Grade Academy, which sits across Judge Perez Drive
from the main Chalmette High campus, opened to students. Still to come, with
an anticipated Christmas 2010 opening, is the cultural center, which will
include a 400-seat theater, studios for dance, music and art, a 9th grade
library and a public library.

The 9th Grade Academy, athletic complex and cultural complex are attached to
the main Chalmette High campus by a sweeping, enclosed skyway across Judge
Perez Drive.

Schools Superintendent Doris Voitier said the athletic and cultural
complexes show the district's vision as a developer of "good citizens and
well-rounded people.''

"There is something for everyone here,'' she said. "This will be the
premiere high school in Louisiana.''

Money for the project was cobbled together from a number of sources,
including insurance proceeds, FEMA dollars and numerous grants, Voitier has
said.

Wayne Warner, principal of Chalmette High School, noted that schools tend to
have a long life span.

When future generations see the Chalmette High School complex, he said, they
will see the community "really did put forth an effort for its kids.''