New Maury High School Groundbreaking Ceremony Energizes Community

Excitement was in the air for the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Maury High School on Friday, January 9, 2026. More than 100 people were in attendance from Norfolk City leaders, School Board members, students and community members.

As guests approached the tent, Maury High School’s Varsity cheer team formed two lines. Guests were cheered on as they walked through formation on the way into the tent where the ceremony was held. 

To start the program NJROTC from Maury High School presented colors followed by the “Pledge of Allegiance.”

Mayor Kenneth Coper Alexander, Ph.D., welcomed guests and acknowledged Norfolk City Council Members and Norfolk School Board members. His opening remarks exuded excitement for the groundbreaking.

The next speaker was Norfolk Public Schools Board Chair, Tiffany Moore-Buffaloe. She emphasized who would reap the benefits from the new Maury High School. “Today is more than a groundbreaking but it is a promise,” said NPS Chair Moore-Buffaloe. “This is a promise to our students, our families, and our community that education remains our highest priority and our greatest investment.” She focused on the intention behind this new building which is investing in students and ensuring that they can meet the future as responsible citizens. “As we turn the soil, we also turn a page, said NPS Chair Moore-Buffaloe. “We look ahead with optimism, knowing that what we build here will shape lives for generations to come.”

NPS Chair Moore-Buffaloe then introduced Principal Karen Berg who has been in leadership at Maury High School since December 2011.

Principal Berg said, “Today marks the beginning of a place that will start the beginning of a new era of learning, growth, and countless memories.” Principal Berg has been an educator for 34 years, and she was thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking ceremony because she understands the importance of the new Maury becoming a “second home for students” and where teachers will inspire students. “This new school has been thoughtfully designed with students at the center including spaces that encourage collaboration, creativity, and belonging,” said Principal Berg. 

Next to speak were two current ninth-grade students, Aubrey Burke and Jack Kinninson. They will be seniors when the new building will open its’ doors to students in the fall of 2028. Together these two students delivered a speech from the perspective of anticipation and joy for what is to come.

“The new Maury High School is more than a construction project, but it’s a place where our futures will begin,” said Kinnison. “It’s where students will challenge themselves, try new things, and learn not just from textbooks, but from each other.”

“As current ninth graders, we know how important it is to feel supported and inspired at school,” said Burke. “Knowing that this new building is being created with students in mind shows how much our community truly believes in us and is willing to put in commitment to help us reach our maximum potential.”

The two ninth graders thanked everyone who helped make “today possible,” and they were “grateful” to be a part of history.

The audience cheered loudest for them because Burke and Kinnison represent the future of education at the new Maury High School.

The final speaker was Robert Hudson, vice president of Heartland Construction. His company is building the new Maury High School, and he ensured that the project will be delivered on time.

At the conclusion of his speech, the most important part of the ceremony took place. The Mayor, Norfolk City Council Members, Norfolk Public School Board Members, Interim Superintendent James Pohl, Principal Berg, current ninth-grade student speakers Burke and Kinnison along with Heartland Construction leadership each picked up pristine white shovels, scooped the dirt and then turned it over.

Everyone cheered not just for excitement of the moment, but for what is to come for a new era of history to be written in Norfolk Public Schools’ educational prowess.

The original Maury High School opened doors in the fall of 1910 and everyone in the community has long awaited the groundbreaking ceremony.

Maury High School Groundbreaking Ceremony Photos