Ironworkers Josh Kehoe and Sam Moore shake hands after connecting the final beam at the new performing arts center at Wawasee High School. The ironworkers held a steel-topping ceremony, which is when the highest or last beam in a structure is placed.
The beam being painted white, the American Flag and the evergreen tree are all symbols, which are part of the ceremony.

Text and photos
By Lauren Zeugner
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — Wawasee High School students, who perform in theater, choir, band and orchestra along with school administrators and school board members, gathered in the parking lot Thursday morning, Oct. 16, for a steel- topping ceremony.

On display was a steel beam painted white with a small evergreen tree clamped to it. Those gathered, along with members of Weigand Construction and Local Ironworkers 292, had an opportunity to sign the beam.

Steel-topping ceremonies have been traced to an ancient Scandinavian religious right of placing a tree on top of a new building to appease tree-dwelling spirits displaced by the construction.

For a modern steel topping ceremony, a tree or leafy branch is placed on the topmost beam often with flags and streamers.

In the U.S., for a steel topping the last beam is often painted white and signed by the workers and others involved.

“This project represents more than bricks, beams and concrete – it represents opportunity, creativity and pride for generations to come,” said Geoff Walmer, WHS principal. “Since Wawasee High School first opened its doors in 1968, our theater has been a place where countless students discovered their voices, their confidence and their love for the arts. It has served us well for over five decades. But as our programs have grown and evolved, so too has our vision for what our students deserve – space that matches their talent and their passion.

“This new performing arts center will be a cornerstone for our school and community – a place where music, theater and creativity can truly shine.”

Walmer went on to thank Garman Miller and Associates, who designed the performing arts center, and Weigand Construction for its “outstanding craftsmanship, professionalism and dedication.”

Walmer concluded saying, “I especially want to take a moment to recognize our students. You are the reason this project exists. Your performances, your creativity, your hard work and your desire to reach new heights created the need for this new performing arts center. You have shown all of us what is possible when passion meets purpose and this new space will be a reflection of your dedication and dreams.

Kylie Knight, left, and Kaedence Zellmer sign a beam, which has been painted white as part of a steel-topping ceremony held at the new Wawasee Performing Arts Center Thursday morning, Oct. 16.

“Today’s beam signing symbolizes more than the construction of a building. It marks the continuation of a proud Wawasee tradition of excellence and community. I can’t wait to see the first performances take place on that new stage and the memories that will follow.”

Don Bokhart, school board president, noted the new performing arts center represented the collective vision of the community. He reminded the crowd that a few years ago, the community said a new performing arts center was a priority.

Bokhart noted the band, choir and theater directors have been involved with the performing arts center design from the beginning.

Kent Gilliam, project executive for Weigand Construction, thanked the Wawasee High School community for being easy to work with. He also took a moment to recognize the project managers and the many craftsmen who have been working on the project.

Gilliam pointed out the new, 752-seat auditorium was as big as a small opera house on Broadway. He explained the tradition of a steel-topping ceremony explaining the signatures on the beam not only those who built the building, but its future inhabitants. The American flag is a sign of patriotism and the evergreen represents growth and tradition.

The beam is hoisted into the air so it can be placed in the steel-topping ceremony held at the performing arts center at Wawasee High School Thursday morning, Oct. 16.

Guided by Kristin Bonner, theater director; Adam Moyer, choir director; and Tony Pawlicki, director of bands, the students gave a count down. The beam was then hoisted into the air by a crane and set into place by Josh Kehoe and Sam Moore, who earned gasps from the students when they moved to the center of the beam to shake hands and remove the straps connecting the beam to the crane.

Construction on the performing arts center is expected to be complete in the fall of 2026.