A Dream Realized: Rainier Beach High School's New Era
SEATTLE, WA – Decades of unwavering advocacy and community dedication have culminated in a breathtaking reality at Rainier Beach High School. What stands today is more than just a building; it's a testament to the power of collective vision, a symbol of self-worth, and a vibrant hub for a community that has historically fought for its fair share.
The grand opening of the new Rainier Beach High School campus, a project shaped by years of passionate input from its community, marks a pivotal moment. From the colors on the walls to the strategic layout of learning spaces, every element reflects the spirit of Rainier Beach. As Richard Best, Executive Director of Capital Projects, Planning, and Facilities Operations for Seattle Public Schools, noted, "This building is a reflection of the community... it is really Rainier Beach."
This sentiment was echoed by those who have poured their lives into this school. Rick Dimmer, the former Workforce Diversity Manager for the Rainier Beach High School project, expressed being "overjoyed and very thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the work." He spoke movingly of seeing young people he mentored, who helped build this very school, now thriving – even buying homes before the age of 25. "That's what moves me," Dimmer shared, highlighting the profound impact of their efforts coming to fruition.
For Betty Patu, a tireless advocate for decades, the feeling is "numb but exciting." She emphasized that the years of dedication were not about personal recognition but about a deep love for the community and its students. "Rainier Beach is a school where everybody is somebody," she stated, believing the new school will further unite the community and reinforce the idea that "community work together." Patu also delivered a powerful message about the continued need for the school board to focus on Rainier Beach, asserting that they have "ignored Rainier Beach for many years" and it's time to fully support what the school and its students have achieved.
The new athletic complex, featuring the dedicated Jamal Crawford Court and the Coach Mike Bethea Complex, stands as a crowning jewel. NBA player and Rainier Beach alum Jamal Crawford, visibly moved, spoke about the court feeling like "home" and how the architects truly "listened to the community." He highlighted the unique design, particularly the abundance of natural light, and the profound sense of pride it instills: "Our community has this, it's the crown jewel." Crawford articulated a powerful message about the spirit of giving, recognizing his life's purpose is to "help and be of service" and to "pushing the next generation forward and having hope."
Head Basketball Coach Michael Bethea, a figure who has been with Rainier Beach for over three decades, described the new gym as "surreal." He spoke of the "blood, sweat, and tears" that went into its creation, remembering times when the team played on a skating rink and the football field had glass. The new facility, the largest gym in the state, is a source of immense pride for students and the community. "It gives them ownership," Coach Bethea noted, adding, "my name just happens to be the one above the door, but this represents everybody."
Perhaps one of the most compelling stories comes from Israel Presley, a Rainier Beach graduate and now a construction apprentice with Lydig Construction, who worked on the very building he once attended. Presley’s journey from a high school internship to an apprentice, overcoming challenges like a knee injury and dropping out of college during COVID, showcases the direct impact of community support. He credits figures like Virginia and Rick Dimmer for "setting up like hands-on days to keep me interested in another option." Presley, who got married and bought his first home during the project, underscored the deep personal connection: "Every slab that you guys walk on... just know that it was Rainier Beach students that helped pour that." He emphasized that the project was "built by us and for us as a community," a testament to their collective resilience.
The new Rainier Beach High School stands not just as a modern educational facility, but as a vibrant monument to a community's enduring spirit, its tireless advocates, and the bright future it has built for its students. It is a powerful narrative of dreams realized, and a clear call for continued investment in the potential of its young people.
