By Brian O’Shea, Plateau Daily News
Summit Charter School held a ribbon cutting to officially mark the opening of the new fitness center on Thursday. The new facility has a number of exercise machines and is open to Summit students, staff, and the athletic department.
Summit Head of School Kurt Pusch said this moment has been in the works for a long time.
“In true Summit spirit, our new fitness center is the result of the vision and leadership of a group of our high school students,” said Pusch. “Four years ago, High Hampton donated over 20 pieces of fitness equipment to the school. As the equipment sat in storage, this group of students saw an opportunity. From idea inception, to drawings, and to creating a successful action plan for funding requests in collaboration with Melissa Hudson and Kelly Greene, they set in motion plans to build the fitness center that now stands on our campus today. As a Summit community, we congratulate and thank this group of students–Jazmin Barranco, Sarah Betty, Chloe Crawford, and Edward Marquina–for bringing their vision to life here at Summit.”
Summit students who came up with the idea of a new fitness center. From left are Chloe Crawford, Sarah Betty, Edward Marquina, and Jazmin Barranco. Not pictured is Zach Russell who graduated in 2022.
Summit Athletic Director Jeremy Robinson said he’s excited to put the new facility to good use.
“Our new fitness center adds tremendous value to Summit’s athletics program and our physical education program,” said Robinson. “With the addition of this facility, our students will be able to develop important life-long health and fitness habits, build their strength and conditioning for athletics, and foster self-confidence to support their success at Summit and in their endeavors beyond.”
Kurt Pusch thanking all of those involved in the fitness center’s creation at Thursday’s ribbon cutting.
At Thursday’s ribbon cutting ceremony, Pusch said it took an incredible amount of effort and teamwork to make this a reality, and thanked all those involved.
“We also want to extend our deepest gratitude for the generosity of the many Summit families and community supporters who stood behind our students in making the fitness center a reality,” he said. “The families involved donated countless hours, materials, and expertise to build the fitness center from the ground up. Each of these families is proudly recognized on our donor wall inside the fitness center. A special thank you to Summit family-owned Sweetwater Builders for donating 100% of their builder fee to manage the design and build of this facility. Finally, we are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our community donors who helped us to raise the funds necessary to cover 100% of our construction costs–The Mebane Charitable Foundation, The Myfifident Foundation, and The Tickle Family Foundation. Their support has made Summit’s Fitness Center possible for our students and faculty today, and for the many classes of students who will follow them.”
Summit students, Josh Crawford, Ann and Matt Betty of Sweetwater Builders, and Kurt Pusch pose with donors.
Summit students were given a chance to check out the new facility after the ribbon cutting.
Summit Wylie Hoffman tests out one of the machines after the ribbon cutting.
Summit Parent Josh Crawford said a few words of thanks for the effort to make the center a reality.
Summit would like to thank the following:
Students
Jazmin Barranco (current senior)
Sarah Betty (current senior)
Chloe Crawford (current senior)
Edward Marquina (current senior)
Zach Russell (Class of 2022)
Donors
Mebane Charitable Foundation
Myfifident Foundation
Tickle Family Foundation
Donated Goods and Services
Alex’s Siding, Beni’s Construction, The Betty Family, Cashiers Craftsmen, Inc, Cashiers Excavating, Cashiers Firewood, Cashiers Pump & Plumbing, Josh Crawford, DiscoverTurf and Native Grass, High Hampton, Highlands Technology Group, Mark Rogers Grading, Mountain Stone & Marble, OG Painting, Roman’s Roofing, Scotlyn’s Yard Landscaping, Sunshine Storytime, Sweetwater Builders, John Warren, Zoller Hardware