City Breaks Ground for New School

Students from all of Derby's grammar schools participated in the groundbreaking.

With the theme of  "On Time and On Budget" Derby officially broke ground for the construction of the new Derby Middle School on Saturday. Keith McLiverty, Chariman of the School Building Committee, served as master of ceremonies for the 45 minute presentation that began and ended with the posting of colors by the Derby Police and Fire Departments lead by a bagpiper from the Connecticut Firefighters Pipe Band.

The Derby Choir entertained the crowd with 3 patriotic songs including the National Anthem.

McLiverty spoke of the role that the new school in Derby's future, but took time to acknowledge Derby's past at the same time. Two members of the Derby High School Calss of 1927 and one from the Class of 1939 were introduced. Myron Horbal and Inez D'Alessio, 99 year old graduates of Derby High School, received a warm welcome and share brief remarks with the crowd. Estelle D'Alessio was valedictorian of the 1939 class and Inez was valedictorian in 1927!

Other speakers on the program included William Hardy, Executive Vice President, of FIP - general contractors for the project; Sally Bonina, principal of the current Middle School; Dr. Stephen Tracy, Superintendent of Schools;and Mayor Anthony Staffieri. Bonina, Tracy and Staffieri were then joined by students from each grade and school in Derby with hard hats and shovels for the actual groundbreaking.

Many local officials, Derby's state legislative delegation, parents and school children were on hand for the ceremony.

The new school is expected to open in the fall of 2009.