U-46 stadium groundbreaking reason to celebrate at South Elign High

Submitted by U-46

In 2001 there was great excitement over the groundbreaking ceremony for the fifth Elgin Area School District U-46 high school which would later be named South Elgin High School. Ten years later, there is another celebration as officials from the U-46 Board of Education, the district superintendent, South Elgin High School staff, the SEHS Boosters among others, broke ground on what will become the U-46 Stadium at South Elgin High School.

U-46 Superintendent Jose M. Torres says, “This project demonstrates the great things that can be accomplished when the school and community work together for our students.”

During the groundbreaking, Torres also shared his appreciation to the numerous donors for the stadium project, including the Wisdom Family Foundation and the Hoffer Foundation.

Mike Bersani, the SEHS Booster Foundation vice president, echoed the sentiments of Superintendent Torres.

“This project has been supported through private donations collected by members of the SEHS Booster Foundation. It is a tribute to the Boosters, staff, and students at SEHS, as well as the generous financial support of many community members,” Bersani said.

Phase one of construction includes bleachers for 1,500, a scoreboard, additional paved areas, and fencing. Future phases will take place based on the success of fundraising efforts by the SEHS Booster Foundation. The finished project is expected to have seating for 2,500 on the home side, 1,000 on the visiting side, a press box, ticket booth/concessions/restroom facility, lights and a plaza comprised of personalized brick pavers.

“The South Elgin Parent Boosters, U-46 Board of Education and administration, and our very supportive surrounding communities have paved the way for hopefully other U-46 privately funded projects,” said SEHS Principal Melanie Meidel. “We are looking forward to each phase of this construction project. The large scope of this event stadium will take several years to complete and will serve many present and future students and their families of School District U-46.”

Before the groundbreaking ceremony, South Elgin High staff hosted a kickoff tailgate party so that supporters, students, and the community could celebrate the occasion.