In a celebration of the future, BA students from Level A to Level 12, along with their teachers and staff, journeyed across the street to sign what will be the only beam in Patriots Hall, the new Upper School, not covered by bricks, dry wall or other building materials.
Academy students, faculty and staff created a little history by signing their name and including some rather unique messages on one of the Patriots Hall 30' steel beams. And, of course, because this may be the only time BA students were allowed to write on school walls, over 800 people took full advantage of the opportunity!
Throughout the course of the day students not only signed the beam, but were given an orientation on Patriots Hall. Despite the rather harsh winter, there has been great progress on the building project and students began to envision the location of the academic wing, the library, the student commons and the gymnasium. Students were especially surprised by the fact that the building will be double the size of the existing high school.
When asked who could lift the 1200 pound steel beam, one student enthusiastically shouted "Chuck Norris" and all agreed that Chuck Norris was a worthy choice. "My mom," "my dad," "Superman and Superwoman," "Arnold Schwarzengger," and "me" were some of the other individuals presented as capable of lifting the large beam. Ironically, "Chuck Forklift" was not mentioned in the list of people capable of lifting the beam, but at the end of the day, this Chuck came and put the beam inside the job site. It is scheduled to be placed in the building sometime before spring break.
With the signing of the beam, students leave an indelible mark on their school and one that will live on far beyond their years at the Academy. When they return to visit campus, one suspects they will inevitably visit the beam and remember the day they left their mark on BA.
This was one of many activities planned to engage the students in the Patriots Hall building project. It is an exciting time for BA and the goal is for all to feel a part of the excitement. From the looks of the many smiling faces, putting their stamp on the future certainly accomplished that goal. To see pictures of each class signing the beam on this historical day, go to
http://www.flickr.com/photos/brookfieldacademy/sets/72157615033436960/ or watch live action of the day's events in this short video.
In a celebration of the future, BA students from Level A to Level 12, along with their teachers and staff, journeyed across the street to sign what will be the only beam in Patriots Hall, the new Upper School, not covered by bricks, dry wall or other building materials. 
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