Franklin, MA — September 12, 2025
Students, educators, and community leaders gathered on September 12th to celebrate a major milestone in the construction of Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School’s new school building: the Topping Off Ceremony. This time-honored tradition marks the placement of the final steel beam, symbolizing the completion of the building’s structural framework.
Held on-site under clear skies, the event was hosted by Superintendent Karen Maguire, and drew an enthusiastic crowd, including state political representatives, School Committee members, former principals, and retired superintendents who helped shape the district’s legacy. Their presence underscored the deep roots and bright future of education here at Tri-County.
The final beam, signed by students, staff, and guests, was hoisted into place as cheers erupted from the crowd. Representatives from the architecture and contractor firms were also in attendance, celebrating the collaborative effort that brought the vision to life. Superintendent Maguire along with School leaders and political representatives shared reflections on the journey from planning to construction, highlighting the collaborative effort between architects, contractors and the school’s administrative team, and the need for hands-on learning spaces that support careers in trades, technology, and applied sciences—fields that are rapidly evolving and essential to the modern workforce.
The new facility is slated to open in fall 2027 and will feature modern classrooms, sustainable design elements, and expanded spaces for arts, athletics, and STEM programs.
As the beam settled into place, the ceremony served as both a celebration of progress and a tribute to the educators—past and present—who laid the foundation for Tri-County’s future.