The dedication for the newly refurbished tennis courts behind Cherry Hill East took place this afternoon on the courts. The courts were renamed the Ross and Jamie Silverberg Tennis Courts, in honor of Jamie Silverberg (’12) and her older brother, Ross (’09), both avid tennis players on the East teams. The Silverberg family was very prominent in the efforts to refurbish the tennis court, and was also a large donor.

Dr. O’Breza said, “[The refurbishment] was a joint effort, a partnership with the township and the school district to provide for refurbishing.”

From beginning to end, the process took two years.

Improvements to the courts include new surfaces, new fencing, repainted light posts, and aesthetic additions near the parking lot. Bricks in the pavement next to the parking lot have the names of donors on them.

O’Breza said, “In a school district like ours, particularly in these difficult times when a refurbishing effort comes along it’s good to have municipal as well as community and school district support for our efforts. This is the first example of a united effort to enhance our property.”

O’Breza hopes that these joint efforts will continue in the future.

Mayor Platt said, “I think this is a beautiful refurbishing of tennis courts that was much needed and a beautiful partnership between school and community.”

The tennis courts are used both by the school and by the community at large, as Mr. Davis, the activities coordinator at East, said.

“I’m happy that both our students and our community will get to enjoy this. There’s a great sense of accomplishment in this, and I’m excited,” Davis said.

East’s tennis teams are excited about the new courts as well. The girl’s team had a match today, and the boy’s team came to the ceremony even though they play in the spring.

Mr. DeWolf, the East boy’s tennis coach, said, “The boy’s tennis team is thankful for the donations and support of the community and school district. We’re looking forward to playing spring of 2012 on these beautiful new courts.”

Boy’s captain Jordan Elmowitz (’12) agrees. “These courts are a great contribution to our tennis team,” Elmowitz said.

The ceremony took fifteen minutes. Dr. O’Breza, Mayor Platt, superintendent Dr. Reusche, and Mr. and Mrs. Silverberg all spoke.