Hamlin Coyotes dedicate middle school

The Hamlin Middle School gymnasium was a sea of purple and full of excitement as the school celebrated its first-year dedication Friday, Jan. 20 with all of the students plus officials from the school, Orange County Public Schools and Orange County Government. The ceremony included music, speeches and the cutting of a long purple ribbon.

Dr. Suzanne Knight told those attendance that being principal of the Hamlin Middle and getting to open a new school “has been one of the most rewarding and exciting experiences of my 35-plus years in education and one that I am so very grateful for. … My vision for Hamlin is to provide a safe learning environment for all students … and to make sure we are an extension and a reflection of our community that lead our students to success.”

Orange County School Board Chair Teresa Jacobs spoke as well: “As rad as your school is, it’s not the bricks and mortar, it’s not the ceilings and the floor, it’s not all the wonderful resources that are here that make it so special. It’s all of you. It’s all of your teachers … and your principal, Dr. Knight.”

The students and parents also heard from Dr. Maria Vazquez, OCPS superintendent, who said Hamlin Middle is an incredible facility.