The six-month project to restore and renovate the J.P. Griffith Gymnasium, damaged by a tornado in April of 2011, revealed its final detail that evening with the unveiling of the signature of Mr. J.P. Griffith himself.
With Dr. David Del Bosque, Superintendent of Avalon ISD, serving as Master of Ceremonies, the evening began with a delicious brisket dinner. Once inside the gymnasium, those attending were amazed at not only the beautiful gymanasium, but also the displays that were prepared for the evening. Hundresd of pictures lined the walls fo the gymnasium of sports teams from the 1930s to 2011 along with pictures of coronations, queens, PTA, news articles, One-Act Play casts, and Avilion staffs. Special sections displayed items from Mr. Griffith himself such as his typewriter and personal books, basketball uniforms from the 80s, pictures of the first Avalon schools, and a binder containing the written history from Mrs. Jean Cadell.
Also in attendance were two grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. Griffith and their family - Mr. and Mrs. Joe Wakeland (son of Daphne Griffith Wakeland) and their son Wil, and Mrs. Carol Griffith Roberts (daughter of Jack Griffith) and her husband Jay.
Also presented that evening was a proclamations from the Texas Senate and a resolution from the Texas House of Representatives marking the rededication of the Griffith Gymnasium.
An album of pictures of the progression of the renovation is posted on the Avalon ISD Historical Perspective Facebook Page (link below). The special video, presented that evening, is also posted on the page.