Governor, Community Dedicate Bradley

HILLIARD, Ohio -- The weather that afternoon was overcast. But, unless you looked up at the sky, you wouldn’t know it. The environment couldn’t have been more electric.

There were feelings of pride and of enthusiasm.

Everyone in attendance knew that they were witnessing history in the making: It was the official dedication of Hilliard Bradley High School.

“It took many months of preparation to get to today, and I have no words to describe the feelings I have today,” Band Director Mark Oppenheimer said. “It’s been a thrilling experience, and it’s great to see all the smiles on peoples’ faces. Everyone is in full support, and it’s been a real honor to help open Bradley.”

Superintendent Dale McVey felt it, too.

“During both presentations today, I had feelings that were really special, feelings that are difficult to put into words. Seeing the school come to life was awe-inspiring,” McVey said.

The event was held Sunday, Aug. 23. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held first at 2 p.m., followed by self-guided tours. At 4 p.m., there was a dedication ceremony held in the state-of-the-art 940-seat Performing Arts Center.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Sondra Mokos from Turner Construction turned over a symbolic “key” to the school, which actually was wooden and about two feet in length

“It was a huge relief to receive the key to the building during the ceremony. We all worked very hard and are glad to see everything come together,” Principal David Stewart said.

Stewart plans to hang the key in his office.

Speakers at the dedication ceremony included McVey, Stewart and Rachel Sprang, daughter of Ray Bradley.

After considering several community suggested names, Bradley High School was named in honor of Raymond K. Bradley, a former school-board and community member.

The most noteworthy speaker at the event was Governor Ted Strickland.

“This summer, we wrote a letter to his office requesting his attendance,” Stewart said.

Stewart said Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Charles Schneider and Commissioner John O’Grady, both involved Hilliard community members, helped to facilitate the request through the governor’s office.

“The fact that the governor would attend the ceremony underscores the significance of the event and the ceremony,” Stewart said. “We were very excited to include him in the program.”

During his brief speech, Strickland praised the community on its financial support of the facility.

Strickland also commented on how the building is environmentally friendly and technologically equipped for the 21st century.

“The school is an inspiring facility,” Strickland said.

According to Stewart, the turnout for the event was remarkable.

“We thought a lot of people would come to the dedication, but never in our wildest dreams did we think this many people would be here for the opening,” he said.

There was standing room only for the ribbon cutting, and approximately 900 audience members at the dedication ceremony.

“I was surprised at the numbers that came to the ribbon cutting. I honestly thought we would have empty chairs,” Stewart said. “We were prepared for more [at the dedication ceremony], broadcasting the ceremony in the Commons outside of the PAC. But I’m very pleased with the overall turnout and glad that people who wanted to be there were able to get a seat.”

The band and the color guard performed at the ribbon cutting. The choir and orchestra joined the band in during the dedication ceremony.

“I was happy to lead the community with the words of the fight song,” junior and choir member Nick Petikas said.

McVey noticed the time and dedication put in by the members of the performing arts students.

“All year everyone has worked hard, and it has been great to see even the students lend their voices and opinions as to what Bradley would become,” McVey said.

“I thought they were very well prepared and had everything planned out. They made it seem as though they were very proud to be at Bradley,” sophomore and audience member Vicki Horton said.

Like the community members, the excitement of the day was not lost on those who will be attending the school every day.

“I really enjoyed being able to see this new school. It is going to be an amazing experience to go to the newest high school,” junior Selina Clubbs said.

“I feel proud to be a Bradley Jaguar,” freshman Sana Nisar said.

This story first was written for Hilliard Bradley’s The Reporter and shared with NBC 4 as part of a media collaboration between schools and the station.