New Life for an Old "Gem"

In 1969, ground was broken on the gymnatorium, a combination gym and auditorium, that provided space for Skyhawks to play basketball and a stage for drama and other school activities.  Prior to having a dedicated gym, the Carolina Children’s Home on Trenholm Road served as home court for the Skyhawks.  When bells signaled the start of the 1969-1970 school year, Hammond’s new gym was open and ready for action.  Though lacking air conditioning, the building quickly became the hub of school activity, and arguably one of the most versatile facilities on campus.
 
Throughout the gym’s history, its uses have been many and varied.  Take for instance the canteen that provided lunch items for students who called the stage their lunchroom.  Or the thespians who were launched to stardom from the gym stage.  Countless academicians were inducted into honor societies and recognized at awards assemblies, and the gym has hosted beauty pageants, crowned Miss Hammond and basketball’s Miss Skyhawk.  And who could forget the Mr. Skyhawk pageants?  Yes, really.
 
Our greatest cheerleader, the gym has been witness to countless pep rallies, basketball victories, state championship wins, and faculty-student contests. Junior-Senior proms found the gym rocking, as did several student bands.  And many alumni fondly recall their graduation walk across the stage.  Through it all, the gym has served as a gathering place for the Hammond family, becoming the heartbeat of our community.  Within her walls we have laughed, cried, and celebrated all that makes us Hammond.  Though the paint will be fresher and the lights a little brighter, the spirit of Hammond will remain the same.  
 
Thanks for the good times and those yet to come.  We look forward to the next chapter of stories you’ll help write. 
 
Well done, old friend.
 
 
 
 
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