(Photo above: Bend-LaPine Schools Superintendent Ron Wilkinson with Ashton Eaton. | Photo courtesy of Byron Roe Photography)
Track, now named Ashton Eaton Track, completed as part of 2013 bond projects. The community is invited to celebrate the completion of several Mountain View High School (MVHS) bond-funded construction projects along with MVHS graduate and Olympic gold medal winner Ashton Eaton during the IMC championship track meet from 3-6pm on Wednesday, May 13 in the school’s stadium.
The event is open to the public; donations will be encouraged in lieu of admission.
Between races, at approximately 4:35pm, Eaton will arrive to thank community members for their continued support of local schools and to participate in the ceremonial unveiling of the school’s new track, which will bear his signature and be named after him.
“I believe that Ashton Eaton represented MVHS and the entire district as an exemplary athlete and citizen while a student in our schools,” said Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Ron Wilkinson. “I believe naming the track — that he ran his first high school races on so many years ago — in his honor is an appropriate way of recognizing one of our great graduates.”
The track is just one of many recently completed projects at MVHS that were part of the 2013 construction bond passed by voters. A few include: modernization of the school’s culinary and world language classrooms, which were originally built in the 1970s; transformation of a storage area into a 2,400-square-foot physical education classroom; and modernization and safety improvements on the school’s courts, gyms and fields.
“Ashton’s athletic achievements were significant on the football field and track during his high school years – yet his teachers remember him more for his exceptional character, positive attitude and exemplary citizenship than for his athletic prowess,” said Wilkinson.
Eaton credits Central Oregon community members for offering their support. “People see where I’ve been and where I’m going, but few remember where I came from,” said Ashton Eaton. “I’m the Ashton Eaton everyone knows today because of the Central Oregon community support I received as a young person. I found what I love on a 400 meter oval and I am forever grateful for the unnamed many who made that possible.”
Ashton hopes that his journey and successes will inspire others to follow their dreams.
“Every day in Central Oregon there are people supporting kids who have aspirations in various passions. Consider joining their ranks,” he says. “They are the true path-makers. And I am so thankful for each and every one of them.”
ABOUT THE CONSTRUCTION BOND
On May 21, 2013 citizens of Bend, La Pine and Sunriver approved a ballot measure, with the highest percentage YES vote in history, to build new schools and fund projects that protect our community’s investment in its schools and facilities. These projects will support economic growth and prosperity and go far to protect our quality of life now and for future generations.
The approved bond measure authorized Bend-La Pine Schools to sell $96 million in bonds to fund the construction of two new schools to address continued enrollment growth and to deliver more than 130 other safety, maintenance, and classroom addition projects on the community’s behalf.
EVENT PARKING
Motorists are advised to slow down and be aware of possible increased congestion on 27th street before and after the event. Flaggers will be on hand to direct drivers to available event parking.
