By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

Groundbreaking in Kent has taken on a pair of meanings over the last two years.

Both will be honored prior to the start of Friday’s home football opener as part of a dedication to recognize all of the new athletic facilities the school has unveiled.

Groundbreaking for the multi-facet, major project began in May of 2021 with the laying of field turf at the stadium.

It prompted a groundbreaking effort to facelift and improve the school’s athletic facilities.

Three months after the turf was laid at the stadium, ground was broke on a new high school basketball competition gymnasium, as well as a new field house.

As part of the dedication, Superintendent George Joseph, along with School Board President Rebekah Wright-Kulis, will offer comments to show their appreciation to the community for the support of the project, which was funded through a bond issue that was voted and passed in March 2020 by voters.

The total cost of the bond issue funded the necessary improvements in all six school buildings in the district, according to Kent Roosevelt athletic director Ben Dunlap.

A peek inside the Kent Roosevelt High School competitive gymnasium, which is a new addition to the high school building.
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In total, the district added the stadium field turf, a new field house, new competition gymnasium, new wrestling room, new and updated locker rooms, separate athletic events entrance, new auditorium seating, air conditioning in all school buildings, updated parking and various other important safety enhancements.

“Everywhere I go, everyone I talk to wants to talk about these new facilities,” Dunlap said. “I am so proud and excited that Rough Riders student-athletes will be using these facilities for generations to come. We can’t thank the citizens of Kent enough for continuing to support our schools. It is something that makes Kent so special.”

Kent Roosevelt currently has almost 300 student-athletes competing across its various fall sports teams.

“I am thrilled with our numbers,” Dunlap said.