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Darlington Middle demolition ‘a chance to take hats off to past’
Jun 16, 2009 12:00 AM
By Tannika King - Faculty
Written by Nick Godfrey, Rome News-Tribune staff writer, published 6/16/09
With cheers and chants to “knock it down,” the first part of Darlington’s middle school demolition was performed by Jim Van Es, director of the Middle School, as he bulldozed into his own office window.
Guests, major donors to Darlington, faculty and staff all attended a private demolition party at the new school’s pavilion on Monday to celebrate the long awaited completion of the new $21 million Darlington Middle School.
Van Es, who has been affiliated with Darlington for 41 years, felt little sadness for the building he had spent so many years in. “You think I’d be a little sad after 41 years, but all you have to do is look over here,” said Van Es, as he pointed to the new building. This is a great boast for all Darlington. It’s very rejuvenating, and it energizes all of us to keep going.”
Kim Tunnell, fine arts director, was very excited about the new building, explaining that it was finally going to be a place for the middle-schoolers. “Before this, the middle school only had classrooms; we had to share the library, cafeteria and more by walking to the upper schools,” said Tunnell. “But now the middle school will have room for itself.”
Lyons Heyman, chairman of the Northwest Georgia Area Campaign Cabinet, was an honored attendee for his work in helping to raise the funds necessary for construction. Heyman, a 1944 Darlington alumnus, explained that Darlington has always been a part of his life, and he has seen it grow over the years. “I watched the school evolve into three campuses and now into this beautiful building,” said Heyman. “I think this is one of the greatest things that ever happened to Darlington.”
Before the demolition began, Ryan Jacobs of R.J. Griffin & Co., the company that was over construction, gave a final salute to the building. “It’s a moment we have long looked forward to,” said Jacobs. “This is a chance to take our hats off to the past, and roll our sleeves up to the future.”
Van Es’ only regret with leaving the old building was the fact that he could see every child pass his office door every day. “The kids couldn’t get away from me very easily over there. I got to see them all everyday,” said Van Es. “And I like that.”
Joking that he would just have to put a desk in the hallway, Van Es expressed his excitement for being the one privileged to start the demolition. “I feel honored. … I’ve had great, great memories in that place, but the memories will come with us,” Van Es said. “This building will go gently into the night.”
With cheers and chants to “knock it down,” the first part of Darlington’s middle school demolition was performed by Jim Van Es, director of the Middle School, as he bulldozed into his own office window.
Guests, major donors to Darlington, faculty and staff all attended a private demolition party at the new school’s pavilion on Monday to celebrate the long awaited completion of the new $21 million Darlington Middle School.
Van Es, who has been affiliated with Darlington for 41 years, felt little sadness for the building he had spent so many years in. “You think I’d be a little sad after 41 years, but all you have to do is look over here,” said Van Es, as he pointed to the new building. This is a great boast for all Darlington. It’s very rejuvenating, and it energizes all of us to keep going.”
Kim Tunnell, fine arts director, was very excited about the new building, explaining that it was finally going to be a place for the middle-schoolers. “Before this, the middle school only had classrooms; we had to share the library, cafeteria and more by walking to the upper schools,” said Tunnell. “But now the middle school will have room for itself.”
Lyons Heyman, chairman of the Northwest Georgia Area Campaign Cabinet, was an honored attendee for his work in helping to raise the funds necessary for construction. Heyman, a 1944 Darlington alumnus, explained that Darlington has always been a part of his life, and he has seen it grow over the years. “I watched the school evolve into three campuses and now into this beautiful building,” said Heyman. “I think this is one of the greatest things that ever happened to Darlington.”
Before the demolition began, Ryan Jacobs of R.J. Griffin & Co., the company that was over construction, gave a final salute to the building. “It’s a moment we have long looked forward to,” said Jacobs. “This is a chance to take our hats off to the past, and roll our sleeves up to the future.”
Van Es’ only regret with leaving the old building was the fact that he could see every child pass his office door every day. “The kids couldn’t get away from me very easily over there. I got to see them all everyday,” said Van Es. “And I like that.”
Joking that he would just have to put a desk in the hallway, Van Es expressed his excitement for being the one privileged to start the demolition. “I feel honored. … I’ve had great, great memories in that place, but the memories will come with us,” Van Es said. “This building will go gently into the night.”
