PHS Gym opening last night with two of the cars from the silent auction.

Scores of Portsmouth residents came together last night in what was both a grand opening of the High School Gym — and a celebration of the accomplishments of our PHS Cheerleaders and Principal Bob Littlefield. Members of the Town Council and School Committee, as well as State Senator Chuck Levesque and Rep. Amy Rice were on hand.

The evening began with a silent auction in the front part of the gymnasium, with items contributed by friends and local businesses, all to support the Portsmouth senior prom. Dozens of attendees threaded their way among tables laden with delightful local products, gift certificates, artwork, and even some amazing big-ticket items like the fire-engine red '57 Chevy which sat outside the front door. After some time for grazing, the ceremony kicked off about 5:30.

The PHS JV and Varsity Cheerleaders did steal a bit of the new gym's thunder last night. With their recent wins at the first-ever Rhode Island Interscholastic League cheerleading competition, they were in for a well-deserved round of applause, and recognition from our legislative delegation.

Rep. Amy Rice exchanges high-fives with members of the PHS RIIL Champion cheerleaders.

Representative Amy Rice read a proclamation recognizing the team's accomplishment. "On behalf of the Portsmouth delegation," said Rice, "I'm presenting citations to each cheerleader, as well as their coach and Mike Lunney, the athletic director."

Everyone in Portsmouth knows how long this gym took, and how hard everyone involved worked, and last night was the opportunity to thank and recognize all the people from around our community who made it happen.

"This gym represents the work of countless people over more than a decade," said Superintendent Susan Lusi. On display was a rendering of the entrance to the gym showing how it will appear when all the engraved bricks, purchased by hundreds of residents and friends, are installed later this spring.

In addition to all the supporters throughout Portsmouth, Lusi thanked our state legislators, as well as key funders from local businesses who had contributed to the project, and without whose support it never would have happened, including The O'Neill Properties, BankNewport, and NewportFed. (I know I missed some names; the acoustics were poor — just let me know and I'll fill 'em in.) Update: Dave Croston has added names in the comments.

Lusi also thanked the many, many members of school committees past and present who contributed to the effort, highlighting in particular the work of David Croston, former chair of the gym construction committee who spent so many hours on the project, she said, "I don't know how he managed to do his day job." Croston got a well-deserved round of applause from the crowd. A lot of folks contributed to this project, but we do owe Croston a special thanks for being in the hot seat during the critical period of construction. And it was, at times, a very hot seat indeed. On behalf of Portsmouth, and especially our kids who now have such a great gym, thank you.

There was one last item on the agenda. On behalf of the Town Council, President Dennis Canario presented a proclamation to PHS Principal Robert Littlefield, who was recently named Rhode Island high school principal of the year.

Said Canario, "Your leadership, dedication and committment to both students and staff have made Portsmouth High School a continued source of pride for the town of Portsmouth."

It was a real feel-good evening. Jack picked out a couple of things to bid on at the silent auction, I had a chance to chat with people, and I met a couple of folks who mentioned they were readers of this blog. Thanks for saying hi, and for your readership.