Students, teachers, administrators, and construction firm celebrate AHS renovation and expansion milestone.

Avon, Ind. – On August 21, Avon High School (AHS) commemorated the rapid progress of the AHS renovation and expansion project with a topping out ceremony. Last week, AHS students and staff, along with district leaders added their signatures to a steel I-beam. This morning, the beam was hoisted up and welded into place at the highest point of what will be the new main entrance and administrative office block at the northwest corner of the school. 

The ‘Making Room for More’ renovation and expansion project began during the summer of 2022. The target completion date is summer, 2025. Due to wise financial and strategic planning by the Avon School Board of Trustees and Avon Community School Corporation (ACSC) administrators, the project will be completed with no impact to taxpayers and without the use of 2018 referendum funds. 

AHS Assistant Principal Dr. Aaron Willis coordinated the event. “AHS belongs to our community,” he said before noting the significance of this project milestone. He also emphasized the importance of student involvement, especially from juniors and seniors who will graduate before project completion. “We constantly remind students that they have the chance to leave their mark at AHS,” said Willis. “Those who sign the beam will literally leave their mark on the school. Years from now, when they drive by or attend an event, they’ll know they remain a part of what makes AHS such a special place.” 

“We have amazing teachers and support staff at AHS,” said Principal Matt Shockley. “On top of the work they do each day to help students succeed, they have done a tremendous job helping us navigate the inconveniences of construction and renovation. They are just as invested in and excited about this project as students.” He notes that he is excited that many AHS teachers signed the beam. “They deserve the honor of being recognized for their involvement here.” 

“The Avon community is growing, and future generations of students deserve excellent learning environments,” says ACSC Superintendent Dr. Scott Wyndham. “This project includes vital updates to aging systems and structures in our 25-year-old high school facility. It also positions us to accommodate expected enrollment growth. This project will ensure that AHS students will have learning environments that are well suited to help them all belong, learn, and grow for years to come.” 

The I-beam is visible from East County Road 150 South. In addition to signatures and the logos of AHS and Performance Services, Inc., the beam is decorated with an American flag. Construction workers also placed an evergreen tree atop the beam. This is a traditional practice that symbolizes worker safety and good luck. 

Learn more about the AHS renovation and expansion project – Making Room for More – by visiting ahs.avon-schools.org/more.  

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About Avon Schools

Avon offers students high-quality educational instruction with a keen focus on improving student achievement. We serve 10,600 students from preschool to graduation in 12 schools (one early learning center, six elementary schools, two intermediate schools, two middle schools, and one high school). Our 1,500 employees dedicate themselves to the success of our diverse student population. Learn more at avon-schools.org. 

Media Contact
Kevin Carr, Communications Coordinator
Avon Community School Corporation
(317) 544-6032
krcarr@avon-schools.org