NEW BUFFALO - A triple ribbon-cutting ceremony culminated a weeklong community celebration marking the dedication of the new New Buffalo Middle/Senior High School on Sunday, Sept. 23, beginning at 3 p.m. at the new facility located at 1112 E. Clay St.

Scheduled to coincide with Homecoming Weekend when many alumni will be able to attend, the community celebration includes -- in addition to the dedication ceremony -- a free concert by the professional Lake Effect Jazz Big Band and other live entertainment, tributes to former staff members and athletes, open house with tours, displays of memorabilia and Time Capsule contents, and a Taste of New Buffalo Area Schools.

The schedule for the week included:

• Monday, Sept. 17: An all-school assembly led by a renowned motivational speaker Jeff Yalden presenting “Winning with Attitude and Self-Image”; recognition of employees who also are New Buffalo graduates during the half-time of the middle school girls’ basketball team’s first home game which begins at 5 p.m., and the passage of a Board of Education proclamation on the Week of Dedication during the board meeting beginning at 7 p.m. in the Community Room.

• Tuesday, Sept. 18: Dedication of the gymnasium during the half-time of the varsity girls’ basketball game beginning at 5:30 p.m. The ceremonies will include recognition of former board members and staff.

• Wednesday, Sept. 19: Homecoming’s Wild Wednesday, including the Power Puff touch football game between the high school girls; and Evening Under the Stars in the Courtyard, from 7 to 9 p.m., with a live saxophone quartet, refreshments served by elementary school students and tours of the new facility;

• Friday, Sept. 21: Homecoming Parade from downtown, past old school, to new facility beginning at 5 p.m. with the community invited to participate with decorated bikes, cars or homemade floats; a Taste of New Buffalo Schools, with the food service staff showing the results that come from their new kitchen (normal school lunch rates will be charged); Homecoming football game against Bridgman beginning at 7 p.m., with half-time recognition of former athletes; and Homecoming dance for students in the new cafeteria from 10 p.m. to Midnight.

• Saturday, Sept. 22: Tours of new facility begin at 6 p.m. followed by inaugural guest concert in the Performing Arts Center by the Lake Effect Jazz Big Band, from 7 - 9 p.m., playing music reminiscent of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Stan Kenton and Woody Herman.

• Sunday, Sept. 23: Dedication Ceremony begins at 3 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center, followed by a reception, open house and live entertainment from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Ceremony highlights include multi-site ribbon cuttings, performances by the high school and middle school bands, elementary school students performing a musical number from their upcoming production of “Annie”, flag presentation and raising; and comments from distinguished guests, students and former graduates.

Additional on-going activities during the week included the recording of memories by visitors, both on paper and on video, for inclusion in a new time capsule to be dedicated later; sale of souvenir T-shirts; sign-ups for VIP passes for community users of the new walking track, and displays of student art, school trophies and memorabilia.

All events, with the exception of Taste of New Buffalo Area Schools and the Homecoming football game and girls basketball games, were complimentary. The costs of the weeklong celebration are being underwritten by the New Buffalo Fine Arts Council, individual donations and grant funds.

Anyone wanting further information about the Fine Arts Council can contact Oselka at 469-2706.

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