Congressman Bobby Scott, Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones and School Board Vice Chairman Dr. Terri Best, a former Huntington High student, spoke to the assembled crowd. Two Huntington Middle School eighth graders participated with Patience Traynum providing greetings and Jaliyah Lamons reading a poem.

"We celebrate not just the start of a building, but the beginning of countless opportunities for our students," Best said. "This new school will be more than just classrooms, it will be a place where ideas flourish, dreams take shape and futures are built."

Construction of the new 600-student middle school is projected to be completed and the school to open in 2026 at the site of the former Huntington High School and Huntington Middle School at 29th Street and Wickham Avenue. Huntington's proud legacy dates back to 1920.

"We are delighted to commemorate the official start of the construction of the new, grand Huntington Middle School," said School Board member Maritsa Alger. "We are so appreciative of your presence today and the many members of the community who have supported this new school."

Scott grew up close to the site of the school and recalled childhood memories of waking up in the morning to the sound of Huntington's band practicing. As a strong proponent of support for education in Congress for decades, he emphasized the importance of preparing students for the modern work force.

"All children, regardless of where they live, deserve to have access to a high-quality public education that allows them to achieve their full potential," Scott said. "And today's groundbreaking ensures that that will be the case for our students in the Southeast Community for years to come."

Jones spoke about continuing Huntington's storied history of learning and community spirit, and of producing leaders excelling in an array of professions.

"Our expectation remains the same for Huntington's next chapter, where our future leaders will fill the classrooms and continue the legacy while soaring to even greater heights," Jones said. "The impact of this new school on our community can only be described as transformational."

Participating in the ceremonial groundbreaking were NNPS Superintendent Dr. Michele Mitchell, School Board members, Scott, Jones, City Councilman Dr. Marcellus Harris, Delegate Shelly Simonds, City Manager Alan Archer, Huntington Middle School Principal Dr. Regina Stafford, Traynum, Lamons, Huntington High School Alumni President Wray Herring, and representatives from Quinn Evans architectural firm, MEB Contractors and Thompson Consulting Engineers.

The new school will be a 600-student education center, a multi-story, state-of-the art institution with a focus on STEAM - science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. The building will feature student learning studios and labs, and open collaboration areas.

In addition to the middle school, plans for the site, known as the Southeast Community Resource Area, also include a state-of-the art public library, community center, sports features and a splash pad.

"This has truly been a historic event," Mitchell said. "Your support and presence at this groundbreaking for Huntington Middle School are a testament to our collective belief in the power of education.

"Thank you for being part of this significant milestone in the Huntington story. The next chapter has begun."