Crestwood High School hosts Ribbon Cutting for new facilities

 CRESCO - Crestwood students from Kindergarten through 12th grade as well as many local residents and business people attended the officially ribbon-cutting ceremony held at the new high school gymnasium on Friday, Aug. 25.

Howard-Winneshiek Superintendent Kris Einck served as the mastor of ceremonies for the event.

“I want to welcome everyone to our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony today,” Einck said.  “This is a very exciting time to be a Cadet as our construction project to connect the schools is pretty much complete.  This is just the beginning of our vision to make Howard-Winneshiek Schools the best!

“It’s very important for all of you (students) to understand the amount of time, effort, and resources that have been put into making this project a reality.  

“The people of our school district and the communities that comprise Crestwood Schools our investing in you by providing the facilities necessary for you to achieve great things.  It is equally important that you appreciate and take care of our facilities and equipment.  Be proud to be a Cadet and have this be your school.

“Because this is such an important event for our school, we are having a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially kick off our new facilities. We have three of our school board members here today to cut the ribbon.  Alison Holten, Toni Johnson and Andy Lude-king. Please give them a big round of applause!” Einck said.

Einck, Holten, Johnson, Ludeking and Robyn Lane gathered in front of the students in the stands, stretched out the ribbon and officially cut the ribbon. Following the ribbon-cutting, several area business people who donated to the Capital Campaign were recognized and a group photo of all the students in the stands was taken.

The school improvements included: 

• Connecting the existing elementary/JH and HS;

• New Alternative Learning Center;

• Greenhouse;

• Weight room;

• Gymnasium; 

• Locker rooms;

• Storage; 

• Training rooms;

• Coaches’ offices;

• Officials changing rooms.

The additional gym, increased wrestling room space and the large weight lifting space were instrumental in why the project was started.  The Ag and Welding Shop will be moved back in to the high school and a more efficient greenhouse will be adjacent to the Ag area.  

The cost of the project was over $10 million, with the majority of the funding coming from government Covid dollars and SAVE (local sales tax).  A campaign to raise $1 million has already started with just over $750,000 raised, but they are still short $250,000  and are still seeking donations.  

There are several levels you can donate, from $25 to $100,000.  All donations will be recognized and donors of $1,000 or more will be on the Donor Wall at the school. To donate please contact the school at 563-547-2762.