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A New Gym
A New Gym
Rocio Azama '25
Photos by Chris Doucett '24
One of the parts of the capital bond project that students have most been looking forward to has been opened. On April 3rd, 2024 the new gym opened. This new “small” gym will be taking the place of what is now the cafeteria. A newly constructed purpose-built gym is now in daily use and the old “small” gym is a full-time cafeteria. Modern wainscoting and paint have been added to the cafeteria, making it feel truly transformed.
This new gym will be used exclusively for elementary kids. Now elementary students will have a gym of their own; they will no longer be displaced by high school testing. The added perk of having a dedicated space for indoor recess means that students can play and exercise, no matter the weather. Recess is one of the best parts of elementary school and now it can always be an active part of the day.
The New Display Cases
The New Display Cases
Walking into the new gym truly feels like a special place for Porters. Lining the new hallways are trophy cases with ephemera and trophies from Porter History. There are jackets, jerseys, basketballs, footballs, and plaques that have been collected by the athletic department and Greenport History Club. Each cabinet brings the part, near and far, to life.
The new gym itself is clean, well-lit, and tasteful. There are light-colored wooden floors with highlights of purple to accent Porter's pride. The walls are a mixture of dark purple padded mats with a yellow stripe above. This is all capped with a light gray paint above the Porter trademark colors. The lights are cool and bright and perfectly illuminate the space. Overall the space feels inviting and modern.
The moments before and during the ribbon-cutting ceremony
The opening ceremony took place at 1:30 pm and lasted about 30 minutes on April 3rd. The itinerary consisted of the presentation of colors by the NJROTC, the singing of the National Anthem by the Greenport Acapella Club, and the pledge of allegiance. This opening was followed by speeches by Elementary Principal, Mr. Tsaveras; Superintendent, Mr. Small; Senior, Nathanial Stevenson; and middle schooler, Ash John Javid. Each speech welcomed all to the new space. Nathaniel Stevenson’s speech can be found at the bottom of the article for any who missed hearing it.
In attendance were the entire elementary, past and present board members, and community members including the mayor of Greenport and the Oysterponds Superintendent. The Porter Pirate was also present to amp up school spirit.
Following the inspiration speeches the board of education did the official Ribbon cutting. Using a giant pair of golden scissors a ribbon was cut between the balloon arch and the gym was officially open!
For all Porters, this is a big moment to remember. Now there is a new space that also highlights the past.
Mr. Kalish and the Porter Pirate
*The author presenting his speech
Nathaniel Stevenson's Speech
Firstly, I’d like to thank Mr. Kalish, Mr. Small, the NJROTC color guard, our elementary students, and all other staff and students present to witness this milestone in Greenport’s athletic legacy.
Today is a special day for our high school as we open our new auxiliary gym. This isn't just about a new building; it's about continuing a tradition of sports excellence that has been a big part of our school's story.
Before any of this High School had been built, there existed a single, small, schoolhouse over on third street. While it may have been small, and had fraction of the students we have today, it is important to reflect that the Greenport High School athletic program truly started on the grounds behind this schoolhouse. On this field they played football in the snow, baseball in the mud, and ran track on the grass, fully dependent on Mother Nature. A far cry from the beautiful new gymnasium we are gathered in today.
Then, with the construction of this school in the 1930s, came what we know as the “small gym” or cafeteria. This led to the start of Greenport’s journey in “banner collecting”. Not long after, the students of Greenport were using their new gym to bring home trophies. This started in the 1940s with a standout baseball team. This athletic excellence continued into the 1950s with our football team and carried on into the 2000s with our basketball team. These teams didn't just win games; they brought us together and made us proud to be part of this community.
But our sports history isn't just about the athletes; it's also about the coaches who guided them. Coach Wells, who was a key figure in both football and basketball, along with Coach Manwaring and Coach Jackson in football, were pillars of our sports programs. Their dedication and hard work shaped our school's sports legacy and put Greenport sports on the map. Their effort is mirrored by the many fantastic coaches we have today.
As we open this new gym today, we're setting the stage for future generations. This facility is a place where our students can work hard, improve their skills, and chase their dreams, following in the footsteps of great athletes and coaches who came before them.
So, to the students who will use this gym, remember the legacy of those who came before you. This is your time to make your mark, to strive for excellence, and carry on the tradition of greatness that is a big part of our school.
Thank you, and I wish you luck on whatever athletic endeavors you pursue in this awesome new gym.
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