Pajaro Valley High School Hosts Groundbreaking Ceremony

From PVHS: Pajaro Valley High School celebrated the Groundbreaking Ceremony for their athletic field today, in the presence of the high school student leadership team, staff, elected officials and community partners.

Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, Superintendent of Schools, stated, "Today is a day where we honor our long- established commitment to finish PVHS and provide the students, staff and community all of the facilities deserving of a comprehensive high school. I want to thank the Board of Trustees, both past and present, for their perseverance and determination to finish the project and for providing me with the direction to work alongside the Watsonville Pilots Association and the City of Watsonville, to make this a reality."

Dr. Rodriguez also expressed her appreciation for the support from the PVUSD Board of Trustees throughout the process, including allocating $3.9 million one-time dollars to ensure the project is completed and students an soon have access to an elevated athletic experience.
In addition to Superintendent Rodriguez, the following trustees, elected officials and partners delivered heartfelt speeches to over 90 attendees: Board President Karen Osmundson, Vice President Daniel Dodge, Jr., Trustee Maria Orozco, Congressman Jimmy Panetta, Assembly Members Mark Stone and Robert Rivas, City of Watsonville Manager Matt Huffaker, PVHS Principal Matt Levy, and former PVHS principal Alison Niizawa, who also served as Mistress of Ceremony.

Sarah Chauvet of the Watsonville Pilots Association was not in attendance but provided a brief statement read by Gina Cole which concluded with an exciting possibility: "We are looking forward to the opening game and maybe we can arrange a fly-by to cheer you all on." The project, with an expected duration of 16 months, replaces the existing fields with an updated regulation size track and football field facility with accompanying press box and concession stand. The improvements will provide PVHS students with the opportunity to practice and compete on their own turf for the first time. PVHS Grizzlies are ready!