The D51 Foundation welcomed the community to Grand Junction High School for the grand opening of the new Tiger Community Gymnasium.
On April 10, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held on GJHS campus. The event kicked off with a performance by the Grand Junction Tiger Band, followed by Mesa Valley School District 51 Superintendent Dr. Brian Hill who welcomed attendees and expressed deep appreciation to the many individuals and organizations that brought the vision of the gym to life.
“This gym reflects the heart of our community, our sheer belief in supporting students, investing in wellness, and creating spaces where people can come together,” said Hill. “This space will serve students, athletes, and community members for decades to come.”
Hill extended thanks to the District 51 School Board, GJHS principal Jory Sorensen and the GJHS staff, the D51 Foundation, and the many community partners who supported the project. He also credited the voters who approved the 2021 bond measure, which funded not only the new high school but modern athletic facilities like the Tiger Gym in the main building.
Bond campaign co-chairs Tim Foster and Sarah Shrader were also recognized for their leadership.
“Athletics changed my life,” said Shrader. “These facilities will allow students to grow, collaborate, and become stewards of their community. That’s what this space is about.”
Mesa County Coroner, pathologist, and youth sports organizer of GJ Blackout Dr. Dean Havlik expressed his gratitude and the need in the community for gym space.
“We’ve been limiting how many kids we can take simply because we don’t have enough space,” said Havlik. “This gym opens up so many opportunities for youth to be active and healthy. We’re already using it this weekend for a major tournament.”
Sorenson closed the event by thanking all involved and highlighting the gym as a symbol of community values.
“The community gym [is] a symbol of the values and commitment to the students of Grand Junction and the community of Grand Junction,” said Sorensen.
The ribbon cutting ceremony featured students from GJHS Champion Development program, the D51 board of education, and all guest speakers. Four GJHS sophomores actively participated in the ribbon cutting: Mayzie Jones, Graysen Mort, Max Xu, and Izaak Martinez.
The ribbon was cut, opening the gym to athletes and community members, and marking a major moment for both GJHS and District 51.
