PLAINFIELD, NJ – June 11, 2024 – On Friday, June 7, 2024, a historic occasion unfolded as District administrators, board of education commissioners, students, staff, local officials, and guests gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil Plainfield High School’s newly renovated auditorium alongside its innovative eSports arena and black box theater designed by PureTek Group based in Boonton, New Jersey.
The ceremony began with welcoming remarks from Deputy Superintendent and Chief of School Management, Mark A. Williams, who outlined the event's significance as a result of a shared vision and collaborative effort.
Superintendent of Schools Rashon K. Hasan, Ed. S., echoed these sentiments, expressing excitement for the culmination of a dedicated journey and the realization of a long-held vision. “Today marks the culmination of a long and dedicated journey. I am thrilled to welcome you to the ribbon-cutting ceremony for our new state-of-the-art auditorium, eSports gaming arena, and black box theater. This moment represents not just the opening of facilities, but the realization of a vision we’ve tirelessly worked towards.”
Chief Financial Officer/Board Secretary Cameron E. Cox reflected on the transformative impact these facilities would have had if they had been envisioned and constructed earlier, emphasizing their potential to nurture artistic talents and further innovation. “We didn't prioritize advancing projects like this. Just think, years ago, individuals like Grammy-award-winning Stefanie Minitee were able to train vocal performers with the acoustic paneling and the state-of-the-art sound system that we have now. Imagine if we had made these investments 10 to 15 years ago.”
Plainfield Board of Education President Hanae M. Wyatt shared words of appreciation and encouragement, emphasizing the importance of investing in such forward-thinking projects for the benefit of the entire community.
Following the opening remarks, Plainfield Board of Education commissioners, executive leadership team members, students, and district administrators ceremonially cut the ribbon to unveil the new auditorium. The transformed space featured dazzling house lighting, 1,525 theater-style seating, vibrant aisle lighting, and a state-of-the-art sound system, enhancing the overall experience for performers and audiences alike.
The program continued with musical, dance, and theater performances by students from various Plainfield schools, showcasing the immense talent within the district.
As guests watched the student performances, Superintendent Hasan, the executive leadership team, and district administrators proceeded to open two additional cutting-edge spaces at Plainfield High School – the eSports arena and a 120-seat black box theater. Superintendent Hasan emphasized the importance of these facilities in nurturing competition and collaboration and providing a versatile venue for innovative performances. “These facilities are more than just buildings. They are investments in our students and their futures.”
With the eSports arena officially opened, Plainfield Cardinals and Old Bridge Knights initiated the space's first official game, highlighting its capabilities and potential for immersive gaming experiences. The 1,500 square-foot arena consists of dynamic performance lighting, 20 gaming stations, two commentator stations, and a video production system that manages over 30 feeds from PTZ cameras, computers, and 4K webcams which are also housed in the auditorium to bring an unmatched engagement to live-streamed events.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the unveiling of remarkable facilities and the beginning of new opportunities and possibilities for the students of Plainfield High School and across the district. The investments in modern infrastructure demonstrate Plainfield Public Schools' commitment to providing students with the resources and environments needed to thrive and succeed in the 21st century and beyond.