Community, officials welcome Resnik CLC
WEST AKRON — More than 1,000 people came to see the official dedication of the Judith A. Resnik Community Learning Center (CLC), Akron’s first new school building in 30 years, on Dec. 16.
The event began with a ribbon-cutting in front of the school’s learning resource center, then moved into the gymnasium for a program featuring Ohio Gov. Bob Taft, Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic and other local officials.
Shown above left just before the ribbon-cutting is Principal Toan Dang-Nguyen with Resnik first-graders, from left, Mathew Ball, Charles Olminsky, Jacob Weber, Tim Grandon and Treanna Phillips.
Kindergarten and first-grade students kicked off the event with a song, then watched closely as the ribbon was cut, as pictured above, from left, by Akron Public Schools (APS) Superintendent Sylvester Small, Board of Education member Linda Omobien, Taft, Ward 8 Akron City Councilman Bob Keith and Board of Education President the Rev. Curtis Walker.
During the program, Nguyen thanked the community for its support of Akron’s ambitious school rebuilding plans.
“We are thrilled to be the first in the district to take advantage of a modern school building,” she said.
Among the speakers during the
program was West Akron resident Mark Norin, shown at
far left, a second cousin of Resnik, who thanked the
school district for “honoring her memory and spirit
this way.” Norin is also the father of two children
who attend the school.
Following the speakers, Resnik’s
second- through fifth-grade students entertained with
a selection of songs, directed by music teacher Candee
Minchin. During “Be True to Your School,”
the top row of students raised placards bearing the
letters of the new school’s name, as pictured
above.
Following the program, the school hosted an open house for the community.
The Resnik CLC is named in honor of Akron native and space shuttle mission specialist Resnik, who died in the 1986 Challenger explosion. The Resnik students formerly attended Fairlawn Elementary School, which Resnik attended as a child. Students began school in the new building Dec. 18. — By Kathleen Folkerth
Photos: Krista Galloway
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