It was a locker room. Now students can learn in it, and the town is closer to a full in-person return. Wiscasset Middle High School cut the ribbon on the new health classroom Monday, Feb. 23.

Health teacher for grades 7 through 12 Liz Hemdal did the actual ribbon cutting, following comments by WMHS Principal Chuck Lomonte.

“I’m just delighted to have the opportunity to have all the kids back, the middle school kids, within the next two weeks. I am looking forward to that,” said Lomonte in a video message recorded by WMHS Technology Coordinator Deb Pooler.

“This is a special moment,” said Lomonte, before handing the oversized scissors to Hemdal. “It’s been many years since this school has had a space like this.”

Lomonte thanked all the people who cooperated to make this happen and he singled out Facilities Director John Merry and crew members Phil Di Vece, Jeff Speed and Alan Small. Di Vece said that Tony Goulette also helped with the project.

Pooler said in an email to the newspaper that the WMHS leadership team has been working towards bringing back students and this extra classroom, plus the portable classrooms which will be set up, will play a huge part in making it possible to bring back students safely.