Leo Torres
Gadsden County News Service
Crossroad Academy officially unveiled its brand new gymnasium Monday.
The school called the event a “significant milestone in the school’s continued commitment to student wellness, athletics, and community engagement.” The ceremony, which began at 1:30 p.m., was opened by CEO Al Gunn and school principal Dr.Tireshia Galloway.
Athletic Director Roy Howard’s speech couldn’t have been more fitting, as he hit the crowd with the chorus of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.” Howard has been an employee of the school for 24 years.
“I can truly say we started from the bottom and now we’re here,” Howard said. “When I got the job in 2001 as the middle school basketball coach, we only had one boys basketball team and we practiced on an outside concrete court. We played all our games away because we had no home court.”
Howard said the school now has five basketball teams and two volleyball teams. The Scorpions has become one of the premier basketball programs in the state and have had four Final Four appearances in the last seven years, including a state championship appearance last year.
“Now that we have a place to call home — oh, it’s on!”
The ribbon cut was met with celebration from the students, staff and guests who attended.
Following the snip, attendees toured the new facility and were introduced to the school’s athletic teams. The boys varsity basketball team put up shots to entertain the crowd as part of a first shot ceremony, and a few athletes christened the hoop with slam dunks to the delight of their fellow classmates.
“This new gymnasium represents more than just a building,” school receptionist Andreka Bunion said. “It reflects our investment in the holistic development of our students and our commitment to providing them with high-quality spaces to grow, compete, and succeed.”
