More than 200 students, families, alumni, and community leaders recently gathered at Pacific Middle School on a sunny June day to celebrate the start of construction on a new campus and to say goodbye to the building that has served the Des Moines community for 65 years.

With gold shovels tied in green ribbon, the groundbreaking marked both a farewell and a hopeful beginning.

The event opened with a land acknowledgment delivered by students Hana and Mara, honoring the Indigenous peoples who first cared for the land where Pacific now stands.

Four student speakers — Gadiel, Samra, Kevin and Muzhda — shared reflections from the podium about their experiences at Pacific and hopes for future students.

“We’re excited for the students who will walk into a brand-new school built because our community believes in us,” one student said, earning loud applause from the crowd.

Highline Superintendent Dr. Ivan Duran praised the community for approving the 2022 school bond with nearly 70 percent support, calling it “a testament to public education and local partnership.” He recognized students from each decade of the school’s history, including an alum who attended Pacific the year it opened in 1960.

“This isn’t just a construction project,” Duran said. “It’s a promise kept to our students and families.”

Mika Sundberg, chair of the Yes for Highline campaign, emphasized the collective effort behind the bond’s passage and her experience serving on both the Capital Facilities Advisory Committee and the Bond Oversight Committee.

Des Moines Mayor Traci Buxton shared personal remarks as a former Pacific parent, recalling the support and care teachers gave her son during his time at the school.

Also attending were Sen. Tina Orwall, School Board Member Angelica Alvarez, and Des Moines City Councilmembers Gene Achziger, JC Harris and Yoshiko Grace Matsui.

Principal Vanessa Banner assured families that students will thrive at Pacific’s temporary location at the Olympic Interim Site, which offers updated facilities including science labs, two gyms, and air-conditioned classrooms.

“Learning will continue — and thrive — just 2.5 miles away for the next two years,” Banner said.

Catherine Cassidy, a Pacific alumna and current teacher, offered memories from her time as both student and educator. Board Member Alvarez also reminded the crowd that by fall, all four of Highline’s comprehensive high schools will offer modern learning spaces, including the new Evergreen and Tyee campuses.

District Capital Projects Director Ellie Daneshnia introduced project partners Hutteball + Oremus Architecture, Skanska, and Vanir Construction Management.

After the ceremony, guests toured the school one final time, enjoyed ice cream provided by Vanir, and shared memories with their children, capturing the spirit of both celebration and farewell.