State, local leaders cut ribbon at new Hope High School auditorium

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — State officials gathered with students, teachers, and other community members Wednesday to celebrate the opening of Hope High School’s newly redesigned auditorium.

The ribbon cutting was attended by Gov. Dan McKee, Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, Mayor Brett Smiley, Councilor Sue AnderBois, Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez, School Board President Erlin Rogel, Providence Teachers Union President Maribeth Calabro, and Hope High School Principal Francisco Velasquez.

Public Information Officer Jay Wegimont said the auditorium’s redesign is part of a $20 million renovation project in the school, which also includes the school lobby, cupola, and other learning spaces, and is also part of a $500 million facilities plan to upgrade Providence Public Schools and raise the percentage of students learning in high-quality learning spaces.

“Every student deserves modern, state-of-the-art equipment and beautiful spaces where they can learn and pursue their passions,” Smiley said. “I want to thank the state for their partnership, working to make investments like these in across our schools and providing students with spaces where they can explore their passions.”