Renovated and Re-Dedicated McCombs
The theme this week at McCombs Middle School has been Re-Newell, as in Newell McCombs, the school’s namesake and former DMPS Superintendent of Schools between 1941 and 1956. Wednesday was a blast from the past and Thursday was a tour of the future at the newly renovated and now rededicated McCombs Middle School.
Thursday’s main event was an after-school rededication ceremony to mark the recently completed multi-million dollar renovations, the highlights of which were the addition of eight new permanent classrooms to replace the mobile ones formerly in use and the installation of a geothermal HVAC system that’s expected to cut the building’s energy costs by 35%.
Four generations of Newell McCombs’ descendants were present as well as some members of the school’s original faculty and staff. Dignitaries on the program ranged from 99 year-old Virginia Deuben, secretary for “Mr. Mac” during his tenure as superintendent, to current Student Council President Daniel McLaughlin sporting a fresh, two-toned haircut styled in the school colors of maroon and gold.
Principal Nancy Croy was the master of ceremonies for the rededication and music was provided by the McCombs band and newly formed choir. The choir opened the program with a spirited rendition of the Star Spangled Banner after a color guard from nearby Fort Des Moines presented the flag and closed the show with “Magic,” a hit song by Pilot in 1974 recently re-released by current teen pop sensation Selena Gomez. A reception and open house followed during which the big crowd in attendance was free to tour the new facilities.
