Riverside High School is proud to announce the completion of its brand-new gymnasium floor, just in time for Homecoming Week. This upgrade is more than a physical transformation. It reflects a renewed investment in student life, athletics, and community spirit.
The project was made possible through generous support from local organizations and was finished just in time for one of Riverside’s most beloved Homecoming traditions: Macho Volleyball. Today’s semi-final and championship rounds brought energy, school pride, and spirited competition to the newly completed court.
“This isn’t just about a new gym floor. It’s a symbol of our community’s togetherness and a strong show of support for the students and organizations who use this space,” said John Christy, Riverside High School Principal.
The new floor was funded through a combination of community-based contributions, including:
Morrow County Unified Recreation District
Boardman Community Development Association
RHS Booster Club
These generous donations allowed the school to replace its previous gym surface with a modern floor that will serve Riverside students and the wider community for years to come. Riverside Coach and staff member Rachel Lafferty said the upgrade makes a real difference.
“It looks really nice, and gives a very different energy to our court; the team loves the color and the feeling it brings to the gym. We are very grateful and feel honored to be the first team to play on this court. It’s great to see the community coming together to support students and schools getting upgrades like this.”
In small communities like Boardman, school gymnasiums are more than athletic spaces. They are central gathering places for assemblies, other student activities, and community events. With the new floor in place, Riverside is ready to host volleyball games, youth basketball tournaments, pep rallies, and more.
Christy expressed his gratitude once more, stating, “This new gym floor shows what can happen when a community comes together. We are incredibly thankful to everyone who helped make this vision a reality.”