Students, teachers, and administrators of Wawasee Community Schools celebrated the completion of their new performing arts center steel frame alongside Weigand Construction, Garmann Miller, and other partners at Wawasee High School in Syracuse, Indiana. The first milestone of the project, the “topping out” is a longstanding tradition practiced across many civilizations for thousands of years. Kent Gilliom, a Project Executive at WCI, outlined three elements involved in each ceremony:
“This beam has three features. First, our signatures. It’s a visual representation of the future inhabitants of the building. You, in a sense, become part of the structure, and forever will be a part of the structure. Second, the American flag is a sign of patriotism…and third, an evergreen that’s to represent growth and tradition, that nature should rise above any made made structure.”
With a crane on standby to lift the metal in place, students and community members excitedly signed the beam before WCI workers hoisted it to the top of the building, securing it to the frame. Just below the final resting place were two banners honoring the Local 292 Ironworkers Union and Crane Industrial Service CO., Inc., who were instrumental in assembling the steel structure.
Setting the Stage
The Performing Arts Center is a major addition to Wawasee High School, with the original theatre first hosting audiences and dramatic productions in 1968. Nearly 60 years later, the new facility will feature:
- 752-Seat Auditorium
- Stage
- Orchestra Pit
- Sound and Lighting Booth
- Lobby
- Concession Stand
- Ticket Booth
- Band Room
- Vocal Room
- Practice Rooms
- Faculty Offices
- Dressing Rooms
- Multi-Purpose Room
- Scene Shop Room
- Restrooms
- Prop Room
- Storage Space
These new amenities will help to meet the school’s expanding program offerings, facilitating events, performances, and learning opportunities for decades to come. The existing theatre area will be repurposed for CTE and supplemental classroom space upon project completion in fall 2026.
Stoking the Creative Flame
“Our theater has been a place where countless students discovered their voices, their confidence and their love for the arts. It has served us well for over five decades. But as our programs have grown and evolved, so too has our vision for what our students deserve – space that matches their talent and their passion…This new performing arts center will be a cornerstone for our school and community – a place where music, theater and creativity can truly shine.” – Geoff Walmer, Principal, Wawasee High School
