New and improved

Suzie Harrison

Wednesday morning marked a huge occasion for Laguna Beach and El Morro

Elementary School with the dedication of El Morro’s new and improved

campus.

The ceremony was held outside with some of the new buildings and

improvements showcased to the left and behind the stage where the

dedication was held.

An arch of blue balloons acting as a doorway to its center highlighted

the stage.

“It includes a new two-story classroom building, a new library and

media facility and a new administration building as well as modernization

of all the classrooms,” said El Morro Principal Joanne Culverhouse.

The ceremony involved all the students, who were seated by class. Most

of the students were decked in their El Morro duds.

The honors choir sang “God Bless America” and “California Dreaming,”

as well as their school song with all the students participating.

Culverhouse provided the welcome to the staff, students, PTA, parents

and community members and dignitaries.

El Morro’s Student Council President Graham Harris and Cameron Combs,

vice president, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Harris and Combs were an

integral part of the ceremony.

“How proud to be a superintendent -- more proud than ever today. The

children’s patience and endurance at El Morro was remarkable,” said Supt.

Theresa Daem.

Pete Peterson, a teacher who is retiring from El Morro, spoke on

behalf of the staff.

“Isn’t it fun to listen to a bunch of adults giving speeches? Ideas

started to happen three principal’s ago,” he said.

The improvement project began in January 2000 and cost about $4

million according to construction project administrator Carl Neuhausen.