#BuildTheBeach - Last month, Rainier Beach High School hosted its open house for the new, beautiful campus. The open house honored three significant figures in the school's storied history with dedications and namings. The school's library was dedicated to advocate and former school board member Betty Patu, the athletic complex was dedicated to legendary men's basketball coach Mike Bethea, and the basketball court was dedicated to one of the best to ever do it, NBA legend and Rainier Beach alum Jamal Crawford.

The new Rainier Beach school is well-deserved and a source of pride for the community, serving as a symbol of hope that replaces the older, deteriorating facility. This new home of the Vikings was a collective effort, built “for us, by us, designed by us,” with former students actively participating in the construction. Let’s head to Rainier Beach!

The new Rainier Beach High School features modern technology, various student-only spaces, and architectural elements that reflect the Rainier Beach community, aiming to inspire and uplift current and future generations while preserving the community’s unique culture. The school plans to complete the theater and performing arts center in 2026. Converge Media wants to thank Seattle Public Schools, Lydig Construction, The Vida Agency, and, of course, the Rainier Beach family for giving us the honor of documenting the building of the beach for over 4 years now, and we look forward to telling the whole story soon!

“Build the Beach, For Us, By Us"

This story originally aired on Back2Besa on FOX13 Seattle on Saturday, June 14th. Learn more: www.WhereWeConverge.com/back2besa

#Back2Besa #WWConverge #RainierBeach #JamalCrawford #RainierBeachHighSchool #VikingsFamily #BuildingCommunity