The morning of December 9, 2025 marked the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new entrance and elevator at the Vestal Administration Building. This project, which began as an idea in 2022, significantly improves safety, ADA accessibility, and overall access to the building.

The initiative was highlighted by the presence of retired Vestal educators who cut the ribbon: Anthony Turnbull, a retired Vestal Middle School teacher of over thirty years and former three-term Board of Education member, and his wife, Cynthia Turnbull, also a retired Vestal teacher.

Mr. Turnbull has a special connection to the project, as he served on the Board when the resolution for the elevator was approved. Upon his retirement from the board, he requested to be the first to ride the new elevator, a wish fulfilled!

When asked about the significance of the day, Mr. Turnbull shared:

"It's wonderful. Not only don't I have to climb the stairs anymore, but it’s so bright, it’s beautiful, it’s secure, and it really showcases Vestal as modernizing and making things more secure, which is what I think is wonderful. The fact that they’re going to have student pictures and student drawings is just a testament to what Vestal is in this community."

Despite the below-freezing temperatures outside, attendees were quickly welcomed indoors. The celebration concluded with everyone eager to ride the new elevator to the first floor to enjoy hot cocoa and treats.

This beautiful, long-awaited addition, featuring a centralized entrance, ADA-compliant accessibility, and enhanced safety, is now completed and ready to be utilized by the Vestal community.