Topping out Ceremony;last beam set, still on schedule

Tuesday, November 12, 2024, several community members with vested interest in the building of the new high school were invited to attend the Topping Ceremony, marking the setting of the last beam during the construction phase.

During the ceremony, several members of the build crew spoke about the job. "I just want to say," began Nabholz Construction team member, "what an privilege it has been to work with the County on this project. It's been open and smooth communication throughout, and that's just not something that happens very often. It's been a team effort, and I'm proud to be a part of it. The energy surrounding this project, and how everyone wants to see it succeed is great to be part of."

Construction Consultant Gary Clardy agreed, "It has been a pleasure for Jesse and I to be involved in this project and feel like we're now part of the Lewis County family." He went on to praise the construction crew, Nabholz Construction, who is still working quickly, staying on schedule to begin the 2025/26 school year in the new high school.

Architect of the school, Brad Martin, praised the whole project from start to finish. "I went in to Architecture School not realizing it's all about relationships, but I'm glad it is, because I'm thankful to be part of your family here. Nabholz Construction deserves praise. A lot of times, you have adversarial conditions between contractors and architects, and that has not been the case with Nabholz at all. They have been truly fantastic, and we have worked hand-in-hand with them. Gary and Jesse Clardy's work ethic has been fantastic, and that relationship is one I could write a whole book about." He went on to thank Dr. Tracy McAbee and the school board for trusting him to work on the project. He closed by informing that a most recent school he worked on won the "High School of the Year" award. "I don't say that to brag," he inserted, "I say that, because this one is better! We will definitely be entering this design and build into the upcoming School Board Association Awards competition, and no promises, but I am confident and hopeful."

Nabholz Construction then took the floor for the final portion of the ceremony. "We are honored and humbled to be chosen to work on this project. Being part of the giant team making this machine move is something I am very grateful for as we, while not new to construction, are new to Middle Tennessee." He then gave a lesson on the history of the topping ceremony. "Although it is a great opportunity to get together and have a party, after working long and hard to get to this point, it is a great opportunity to take a moment to reflect on how far we have come, and to celebrate our successes up until this point, recharge, and look forward to the future." Just before hoisting the topping out beam, he pointed out the tree and flag that will be hoisted with it. "Legend has it," he began, "that the topping out ceremony is an ancient Scandinavian tradition. Structures were constructed from wood. They believed trees were their ancestors, so they placed an evergreen, which they believed to be a good spirit, on the highest part of the structure to appease the spirits of their displaced ancestors."

He went on to describe each piece of the ceremony and what they mean:

HOISTING OF THE YELLOW BEAM: Give thanks for safe completion of the most arduous phase of the construction project

EVERGREEN TREE: Give thanks for the creation and natural beauty around us, especially here in the state of Tennessee

AMERICAN FLAG: Give thanks to live in the greatest nation on this earth

Guests then signed the beam, making their lasting mark on something deeply close to each of their hearts; high-quality education, the youth of Lewis County, and the future of our Community. Steel erectors were brought in, and the final yellow beam was hoisted to the top and placed, marking the completion of the phase. Guests then were treated to a tour of the bones of the facility, as well as a barbecue lunch.