ARTICLE
A groundbreaking for the Marion Builds Opportunity campaign is set for Tuesday, July 24th at 4:30pm to mark the start of renovations to the Marion High School Auditorium and Les Hipple Athletic Complex. The community is encouraged to take part in this event by meeting near the concession stand at the north end of the high school parking lot. Marion Builds Opportunity is aimed at improving two major facilities at the high school that support students in the Marion Independent School District and are also used regularly by the community. Thanks to district funding and a match from the City of Marion, dual tennis and pickleball courts were funded and put in last August. The construction signaled a start to the athletic complex’s renovation. The campaign hopes to expand on those improvements. Contributions from the campaign are being used to add press boxes to the soccer, baseball and softball fields this Fall. The auditorium will also see significant renovations including an updated sound system and lighting board, carpeting and stage façade, and the addition of a chairlift for wheelchair accessibility to the stage. Funds are still being sought in order to replace the softball dugouts and add sidewalks to the athletic complex. Greg Semler, Principal of Marion High School shared, “A majority of Marion students – including 88% of last year’s high school students – participate in activities that fall outside the core curriculum to shape their educational experiences. We have quality kids and a quality community. Our students deserve a quality environment where they can demonstrate their skill sets.” The ground breaking is hosted by the Marion Chamber of Commerce with support from the Marion Independent School District and Marion Independent School Foundation & Alumni Association. To learn more about the campaign, visit MarionBuilds.org.