Frederick Law Olmsted’s first senior class graduated at the site of the newly reconstructed school this on June 21st. Janette Schell MacRitchie, Kensington Class of ’41, was on hand to give out diplomas to the 44 graduates of 2012, all college-bound, with $2 million in scholarships.
The auditorium in the former Kensington High School saw many a graduate walk the stage, but this ceremony marked the first time seniors of the Frederick Law Olmsted School received diplomas in the school’s new home at 319 Suffolk Street. Interim Superintendent Amber M. Dixon, whose mother worked at the former Kensington, addressed the graduates.
The class of 2012 began as Olmsted freshmen in 2008 and attended school in the building, but have been in a temporary location during reconstruction for the past two years. The move-in will begin in July.
The $20 million reconstruction effort was part of Phase IV of the five-phase, $1.4 billion Joint Schools Reconstruction Project. School Architect Paul McDonnell, who has guided the project along with HHL Architects, has history in the building also; his great grandfather was the first principal of Kensington High.
The Olmsted students attending this coming fall will have the advantage of a newly reconstructed school along with the latest in technology in their new, energy-efficient and beautified home. In addition, Frederick Law Olmsted inspired design was used for the new landscaping at the back of the school.
More pictures here:
https://olmstedatkensington.org/commencement-ceremony-picture-gallery/
Buffalo News coverage by Harold McNeil here: https://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/buffalo/article914899.ece
