Within the next several weeks, work will begin to renovate the old vo-tech building at Rock Island High School.

Once the renovation is complete, Rock Island High School will have one of the finest weight training and fitness centers in the state of Illinois.

Through a generous commitment from Rep. Joel Brunsvold, the project is off and running.

Support from the school administration, the district's development office, the Rock Island/Milan Booster Club, parents and students is going to turn this eyesore into a facility that the entire city can be proud of.

Not only will our athletes benefit from such a fine facility ... but I would expect that every member of the high school student body uses this area during their four-year stay at Rock Island High School. I would expect teachers to take advantage of the equipment that will be offered. I would expect the ROTC to use the open space for drill practice.

How about the band? The color guard? The cheerleaders? The possibilities are endless.

Whenever there is a chance to provide special opportunities for any of our young people ... a special activity ... a special facility ... a special experience ... we must jump at that chance.

We must make every effort to help our students find success any way we can. Good teachers ... good curriculum ... and good facilities.

Thank you, Joel Brunsvold, for your commitment to the youth of Rock Island/Milan Schools. Thank you also to everyone who helped this exciting project reach the starting line.

David Rockwell, Rock Island/Milan Booster Club

Copyright 2000, Moline Dispatch Publishing Co