Last year, Rainier Beach High School celebrated the grand opening of its beautiful new campus with an open house that featured dedications honoring three pillars of the school's storied history. The new facility paid tribute to advocate and former school board member Betty Patu with the dedication of the school's library. Simultaneously, the athletic complex was dedicated to legendary men's basketball coach Mike Bethea, and the basketball court was named for one of the school's most celebrated alumni, NBA legend Jamal Crawford.

The state-of-the-art campus, long-awaited by the community, replaces an older, deteriorating facility and stands as a powerful symbol of hope and collective effort. Described as being built "for us, by us, designed by us," the construction saw active participation from former students, reinforcing the idea of the school as a source of deep community pride and a testament to the neighborhood's resilience.

The new home of the Vikings features modern technology, dedicated student-only spaces, and architectural elements designed to reflect the unique culture of the Rainier Beach community. These features aim to inspire and uplift both current and future generations of students. The campus is nearing full completion, with the school planning to finalize the theater and performing arts center in 2026.

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