By Scott McKie B.P.
One Feather staff
The new Cherokee Central Schools received a national award for design and construction.
The new Cherokee Central Schools complex has received an award for its design and construction principles. The school won first place in the K-12 Education division of the 2009 McGraw-Hill Construction 2009 Best of the Best Awards.
“We are very proud of the planning and construction involved in this project, especially the green aspect which highlights a priority of this administration,” said Principal Chief Michell Hicks. “The overall project was a tremendous success that brings a bright future for all of our children.”
According to McGraw-Hill, the winners will be featured in the Jan. 4, 2010 issue of Engineering News-Record.
Janice L. Tuchman, editor-in-chief of Engineering News-Record, said, “Aesthetically pleasing and technically challenging, this year’s Best of the Best award winners illustrate the finest achievements of 2009 in design and construction.”
Carmaleta Monteith, Ph.D., design coordinator for the Cherokee Central Schools, commented, “I am very pleased that the new school project has been acknowledged for its design and quality of construction. It took tribal leadership and the School Board many years of planning and appropriating funds to build such a facility.”
She went on to say, “Bringing together the right partners, Padgett and Freeman Architects and BE&K Building Group, was critical to the success of the project. Many local members of our community contributed to the overall design and construction phases that ensured a successful project. My greatest pleasure is knowing that this incredible school is providing a beautiful and healthy learning environment for our students.”
Information from McGraw-Hill states, “Out of 273 regional winners, an independent jury of construction professionals selected 76 national finalists and 24 national winners in 23 categories. Projects were based on innovation, safety, contribution to the community, aesthetic quality, and craftsmanship.”
