Galena’s Grand Opening for the new Student Union was on Feb. 20!

The Grand Opening was a huge community event for the GILA campus.

The community of Galena, GILA students, and GCSD staff members gathered at the new building on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

“This is a wonderful building for the most wonderful student body ever. The student body deserves a really cool place to hang out,” said GILA principal John Riddle.

The GCSD board members, Galena Mayor Jon Korta, and community elder Jenny Pelkola hosted the ceremony. The ceremony was confined to a little speaking and a ribbon cutting as they opened the building.

“I love seeing all the smiles from all the students. It was built with excellence. It’s a place for kids to have healthy fun”, said GSCD board member Kim Kopp.

Everyone who gathered at the ceremony got the opportunity to go inside and see the sights of the reconstructed building. The whole community had a tremendous time there with each other.

The GILA dining hall baked no bake cookies for everyone who attended. High school students and musical RA Natalie Olender made an appearance during the Grand Opening.

Everyone enjoyed the Ptarmigan Hall Native Dance group and performances by Galena senior Kaleb Korta and Ptarmigan Hall music and arts director Natalie Olender.

Community members of Galena had remarkable comments about the reconstruction. The new furniture, lighting, open space, color design, decoration, reconstruction, and the feeling of being welcomed was stated by quite of few people. “The openness of the new sub makes it very welcoming,” said athletic director Jon Buchanan.