BILLERICA — The massive crane swoops down and grabs the final steel beam covered in signatures — along with an American flag and Christmas tree attached to its top. Officials grin from ear to ear, looking up at another milestone for the $176 million high-school project.
Residents, students, officials and construction workers gathered for the topping off ceremony of the new Billerica Memorial High School on Wednesday. The school, located on the existing site, is set to open in 2019.
Sen. Cindy Friedman, of Arlington, was the late Sen. Ken Donnelly’s chief of staff when they worked to secure funding for this project. She said the new school will provide students with the most up-to-date technology, preparing them for higher education and the workforce. “We must continue to give our students all the support they need to excel, and I know that Billerica is committed to doing this,” Friedman said.