Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School began the process of building a new high school facility just over a year ago. On Aug. 29, the structure’s final beam was raised and put into place, celebrating the project’s significant progress to date.
Superintendent David DiBarri, Northeast Metro Tech administrators, School Building Committee members, State Representatives and Senators, MSBA representatives, ironworkers, and Gilbane representatives gathered to share a few words and watch as construction crews raised and placed the steel structure’s final beam.
Raising the final beam, traditionally known as “topping off” the building, marks the project’s second major milestone since the groundbreaking ceremony that began construction in October 2022.
Those in attendance had the opportunity to sign the beam before it was raised into place. The beam had also previously been signed by Northeast Metro Tech students.
Speakers at the ceremony included Superintendent DiBarri, Gilbane Building Company Senior Vice President Michael O’Brien, School Committee Chairman Deborah Davis, Building Committee Chair Theodore Nickole and MSBA CEO James MacDonald.
“The placement of this beam marks an important milestone for the construction of this state-of-the-art school, and brings us closer to the day when the doors of opportunity open for new generations of students,” said State Sen. Bruce Tarr.
The “topping off” ceremony dates back thousands of years to ancient Scandanavian and European traditions. As part of the tradition, now common in the United States, the final beam is raised and set into place with decorations of an evergreen tree and an American flag.
The evergreen tree is a tribute to the Native American tradition that “no structure should be taller than a tree.” Now the evergreen tree symbolizes joy and is meant to bring good luck to the building’s inhabitants.
The flag symbolizes patriotism and the hard work and commitment of construction workers.
“This is a great day for current and future trade students,” said State Rep. Donald Wong. “It is going to be great to have an up-to-date building for students to pursue an education in trade work and go to college if they wish.”
Students will have the first-hand opportunity to expand upon their education during construction. According to Gilbane representatives, the company has already offered opportunities for students to learn more about the construction process through guest speakers, site tours, and presentations.
Graphic design students even participated in the design of the fence that surrounds the boundaries of the project grounds.
“This project represents the best of building today for a better tomorrow,” said State Rep. Bradley H. Jones, Jr. “This new modern facility will help educate tens of thousands of students in the trades in the years to come, benefiting us all.”
The project is on track to be completed by the spring of 2026, meaning that current first-year students and sophomores will likely have the opportunity to learn in the new school building.
“This project is about creating an opportunity for students to learn about trade work and build a life for themselves,” said State Rep. Richard Haggerty. “I am proud to be able to celebrate this important milestone.”
“Northeast Metro Tech provides an incredible opportunity for students from the twelve surrounding communities to receive a strong and hands-on education,” said State Sen. Jason Lewis. “The new, sustainable, state-of-the-art school building will better serve the needs of students and faculty and will allow for increased enrollment, safety, and programming