Community rallies for long-awaited amphitheater at East Hamilton High

During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the allocation of funds for an amphitheater at East Hamilton High School, a project that has been in the works since 2020. The proposal, which received unanimous support from board members, aims to enhance the school's facilities and provide a venue for community events.

One board member expressed concerns about the prioritization of funding, recalling that Central High School had been promised an amphitheater over 20 years ago, which was never built. This member highlighted the ongoing needs at other schools, such as Brainerd High School, which has been waiting for a baseball field for a decade. The sentiment was echoed by others who noted that East Hamilton is the only high school built without an athletic package, raising questions about equity in resource distribution among schools.

Ashley Henderson, a community leader instrumental in securing $300,000 in federal funds for the amphitheater, spoke about the project's origins during the COVID-19 pandemic. She recounted how theater students adapted by performing outdoors, which sparked the idea for a dedicated outdoor space that could serve both the school and the wider community.

The board's approval of the amphitheater funding reflects a commitment to improving educational facilities while addressing long-standing disparities among schools. As new schools are built and existing ones renovated, there is hope that future projects will incorporate comprehensive facilities from the outset, reducing the need for delayed funding and ensuring all students have access to necessary resources.