Leave a Legacy at Chelsea High

When it was built in 1992, a highlight of the brand-new Chelsea High School (CHS) was its stunning, state-of-the-art auditorium. Since then, it’s been the venue for countless lectures, student activities, fine arts performances and community events.

Also in 1992, compact discs and the World Wide Web were considered state-of-the-art.

“Our auditorium is in its original condition from when the school opened,” Chelsea High Principal Wayne Trucks said. “Complete renovations are needed.”

Over this year’s summer break, CHS will embark on a complete overhaul of the school’s auditorium. Trucks said the school is aiming to repair or replace the auditorium’s 642 seats, re-carpet floors, paint walls and aisles and install new curtains and sound equipment. He expects the project to cost approximately $60,000.

“And our PTO has done an outstanding job in finding creative ways to raise those funds,” he said.

Led by PTO President Carol Johnson, the school is launching its Legacy Seat Campaign. Each Legacy Seat in the renovated auditorium will bear a nameplate containing a personalized dedication. Trucks said those who choose to sponsor a seat could honor or memorialize friends or relatives, celebrate reunions, or feature their businesses.

Each seat can be sponsored for a $150 donation, and all profits from this campaign go directly toward auditorium renovations. The school’s goal is to name every seat, which would provide more than $96,000.

Trucks said the City of Chelsea contributed $10,000 to the project, which gives the school a base to start with. Seats will be replaced first, followed by painting. If curtains and sound equipment need to be installed after the start of the 2014-2015 school year, he said the work could be done without interrupting students.

 “Basically, as soon as students leave for the summer, we’re going to get as much done as we can before they return in August,” Trucks said.

To participate in the fundraiser, complete the donation form found on the ChHS PTO website (chhspto.weebly.com) and return the form to school or mail it to the address on the form. For more information, contact the PTO at chhspto@yahoo.com or call the school at 682-7200.