Schools

Norcross High Celebrates 'Blue Devil Plaza' With Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Students, faculty, parents and school supporters gathered Tuesday afternoon to officially dedicate the newly constructed student courtyard.

Norcross High School students now have a new after-school place to hang out - and it's been designed just for them.

Located in the area surrounding the flag pole on the front right of the school, the "Blue Devil Plaza," which was named by Jazmine McDonald, a NHS senior, was officially dedicated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, April 16, 2013.

It features a paved area with a number of outdoor benches and large rocks for sitting and newly planted trees for shade.

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The former grassy area went un-used before Bob Chapin, former co-president of the Norcross High School Foundation of Excellence (a non-profit fund raising group for the school) and several other board members decided to put their heads together to see if they transform it into a place the students could use.

"This wouldn't have happened without the NHS Foundation," said the school's principal Will Bishop during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

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It was a joint effort pointed out Chris Saunders, this year's foundation president pointing out that the plans were drawn up by Pat O'Leary, an architect who lives in Peachtree Corners resident.

"Pat, donated his time and talent to drawing up the plans for the project. He doesn't have any children that attend the school, but wanted to give something back to the community," said Saunders.

McDonald, the student who won the plaza-naming contest, received a $50 Chick-fil-A gift certificate for her winning entry. Her selection was chosen from 50 entries.

Construction began last year in mid-October.


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