Good afternoon and welcome to the groundbreaking ceremony of the long-awaited Denis R. Paul aquatic center and adjacent math building. I’d like to begin by thanking those present who have played a role in realizing this project.

The Walnut Valley Unified Board of Trustees:

President Larry Redinger, Helen Hall, Nancy Lyons, Cindy Ruiz, and Phillip Chen. 

Also in attendance this afternoon is retired board member, Carolyn Elfelt.

Representing Senator Bob Huff: Jody Roberto

Representing Assemblyman Curt Hagman: Kristie MacDougall

From the Diamond Bar City Council:

       Mayor Pro Tem Jack Tanaka and his lovely wife Wanda

       Council Member Ron Everett

       Council Member Carol Herrera

       Council Member Steve Tye

From the Bond Oversight Committee:

       Paul Cockrell

From the Walnut City Council:

       Mayor Nancy Tragarz

       Mayor Pro Tem Mary Su

The WVUSD Employee Association Presidents:

         WVEA president: Johann Aaron

         CSEA president: Margarita Gutierrez

WVAA president: Steve Carr

Representing the Diamond Bar High School’s Athletics Department

       Athletic Director: Mr. Kurt Davies

       Head Swim Coach: Patrick Murphy

I’d also like to recognize the WVUSD Director of Maintenance, Operations, Transportation and Facilities, Mr. Jeff Bloedorn, whose leadership has made this project a reality.  Together with the construction team, including Jeff Roule and Jim Larson as well as architect Henry Wu, we have met for countless meetings and will no doubt meet for many more until our final dive-in date.

And last, but certainly not least, is Diamond Bar High School’s Manager of Operations, Mr. Eric Gossett, one of the last remaining original Brahmas who has waited patiently and sometimes not so patiently 30 years for this project.

In addition to those just mentioned, I’d like to thank the members of the community whose votes and contributions made this project possible through the passing of Bond Measures S & Y.  Thanks to you, Diamond Bar High School is taking a momentous step in our continued commitment to support the four A’s: Academics, Activities, the Arts, and Athletics. As well as having great students, supportive parents, and an excellent and caring staff, and a wonderful administration, the four A’s are the foundation of our Brahma culture and undeniable success.

It goes without saying that we are thrilled to see this project come to life…if there were such a thing as a smile-o-meter, ours would be broken from wear and tear.  Thank you again for this amazing project and I’d like to conclude by saying…last one in is a rotten egg!