Officials, Students Dedicate New High School Sports Complex

Education officials, members of government and community members joined student athletes on the new sports complex at Friday to dedicate the facility.

Despite the rain, spirits were high as those who worked closely to get the project completed talked about the five-year journey. Instead of a typical ribbon cutting ceremony, student athletes ran through red ribbons held by district cheerleaders.

Board of Education Vice President Paul Liddy, who was president during much of the project planning, said despite hearing doubts from some members of the community, "We never wavered." He thanked everyone involved in the project.

Board President Carol Mountain also thanked everyone involved for making sure the new facility was constructed.

"We're very proud to be able to use it," she said. "We're excited that our athletes and bands and any other school activity has this beautiful field to be proud of."

High school Principal Thomas Gorman said he was proud of the new complex, which he said fit the winning tradition of the district.

"This athletic complex gives all the students of Westwood Jr./Sr. High School a state-of-the-art facility they deserve," Gorman said.

Athletic Director Patricia Benevento said the new fields are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to district improvements, pointing out upgrades to academic programs and all the district buildings that "make this one of the best districts in Bergen County."

She is particularly proud of the new sports complex.

"I have no words to say how awesome it is to be here tonight," Benevento said.