Pacific Community Celebrates & Says Goodbye
Under a sunny June sky, gold shovels tied with green ribbons broke ground in front of Pacific Middle School — symbolizing the start of a long-awaited new chapter. More than 200 students, families, alumni, elected officials and community members gathered to celebrate the future school and say goodbye to an aging school building that has served students in Des Moines for 65 years.
The ceremony opened with a land acknowledgement by students Hana and Mara, honoring the Indigenous peoples whose ancestors were stewards of the land where Pacific stands today.
From the podium, student speakers Gadiel, Samra, Kevin and Muzhda reflected on their experiences and looked ahead with hope.
“We’re excited for the students who will walk into a brand-new school built because our community believes in us,” one student shared.
That belief was echoed throughout the ceremony, as speaker after speaker expressed gratitude to Highline voters for approving the 2022 school bond with nearly 70 percent support — a recent record in Highline’s history. Superintendent Ivan Duran thanked the community, noting how each new school built is a testament to public education and local partnership. He recognized each decade of students, starting with an alum in the audience who attended Pacific the year it opened in 1960.
“This isn’t just a construction project,” said Dr. Duran. “It’s a promise kept to our students and families.”
Mika Sundberg, chair of the Yes for Highline campaign organization, spoke about the power of community-wide support across Highline in making the bond possible. She reflected on her service as a member of both the Capital Facilities Advisory Committee and the bond Oversight Committee and emphasized the importance of continued public investment in our schools and students.
City of Des Moines Mayor Traci Buxton spoke about her personal experience as a former Pacific parent, emphasizing the love and care that the educators demonstrated towards her son during his time at the school.
Also in attendance were Sen. Tina Orwall, School Board Member Angelica Alvarez, and Des Moines City Council Members Gene Achziger, JC Harris and Yoshiko Grace Matsui.
Principal Vanessa Banner reminded families that Pacific’s temporary home at the Olympic Interim Site is equipped with air-conditioned classrooms, science labs, a full library, two gyms, and space for music, art and CTE. “Learning will continue — and thrive — just 2.5 miles away for the next two years,” she said.
Pacific alum and teacher Catherine Cassidy shared stories from her time both as a student and educator, and Board Member Alvarez reminded the audience that all four of Highline’s comprehensive high schools will soon offer modern learning spaces when Evergreen and Tyee open this fall.
Ellie Daneshnia, who leads the district’s Capital Planning & Construction team, introduced the project partners: Hutteball + Oremus Architecture, Skanska, and Vanir Construction Management.
After the ceremony, attendees posed for photos, enjoyed ice cream courtesy of Vanir, and walked through the halls one last time. Alumni showed their children the spaces where they learned to play an instrument or danced at their first school event — celebrating both memories made and the future taking shape.
See more photos in our Facebook post, June 9, 2025.
Don't miss our Instagram Reel!