EL MONTE – After waiting with bated breath for the day they would get to use South El Monte High’s new $4.3 million field house, the school’s football players and student-athletes were the first on Sept. 18 to rush into the 8,200-square-foot building and explore the rooms where they will devise game-winning strategies and build team camaraderie.

The South El Monte High School Field House – completed in June after 11 months of construction – was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting and grand opening. The facility features new furniture and athletic equipment, two classrooms, a weight room, restrooms, lockers and showers for girls, boys and coaches, a unisex bathroom and team meeting areas.

The project was funded by developer fees funds and proceeds from the $148 million Measure D approved by voters in November 2008 to ensure safe high school campuses, better prepare students for college and careers, and modernize classrooms and buildings throughout the El Monte Union High School District.

“It is a great feeling to see this athletic facility finally come to fruition after so many years of waiting, planning and getting this project off the ground for our students,” Board of Trustees President Carlos G. Salcedo said. “I want to thank our community for supporting this bond measure, which has allowed us to enhance the facilities our students use and tackle the projects that have been sorely needed, including this one. It has been a true team effort and we can’t wait to see our students celebrate.”

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, South El Monte High School is the District’s newest comprehensive high school and has become a staple in the community for providing an academically rigorous core curriculum and competitive athletic programs in a safe and welcoming environment.

“We always strive to provide our students with high-quality facilities and the equipment to give them the best education possible,” Principal Dr. Amy Avina said. “This facility will only enhance the already fantastic programs we have at South El Monte High School.”

The field house will complement the school’s 2,780-square-foot stadium snack bar, completed in July 2016 to serve as a modern food facility and used for special events.
Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga, the former principal of South El Monte High, said the field house will improve training conditions for students in athletic programs and promote fitness and health in a safe learning environment.

“All our students ever wanted was a snack bar and field house they can be proud of, and with the support of our Board of Trustees and community, we have given our students what they’ve been asking for,” Zuniga said. “I want to thank our community and students for their patience as we continually work to foster 21st century classrooms and athletic facilities.”

Other improvement projects completed with Measure D funds include Rosemead High School’s auditorium and a Culinary Arts facility at Mountain View High School. El Monte High School recently broke ground on a new stadium improvement project.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

092017_EMUHSD_FIELDHOUSE1: South El Monte High School football players celebrate the grand opening of the school’s $4.3 million field house facility with El Monte Union High School District Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga, Board of Trustees President Carlos G. Salcedo, Vice President Maria Morgan, Member Esthela Torres de Siegrist and Member Ricardo Padilla on Sept. 18.

092017_EMUHSD_FIELDHOUSE2: South El Monte High School football players explore the school’s new 8,200-square-foot field house, which includes lockers, showers, a weight room and team meeting areas, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 18. The $4.3 million facility was funded by the $148 million Measure D approved by voters in November 2008.