STRATTON — Stratton Mountain School (SMS), a ski and snowboard academy based in the heart of southern Vermont's Green Mountains, hosted a dedication ceremony on June 13 for the new Education, Arts & Student Center in honor of Patti Kaltsas, late wife of SMS Headmaster Chris Kaltsas.
SMS administration, trustees, parents, and friends officially welcomed the addition of the new Patti Kaltsas Education, Arts & Student Center to campus by remembering Patti Kaltsas, who was beloved by students and a loyal supporter of SMS, and who died in 2010.
According to a news release, Patti Kaltsas was an artist and designer who gave generously of her talents and who was essential in establishing the vision of the new campus.
The building completes the third phase of the SMS campus plan, begun in 1999 by Chris Kaltsas, who began as the headmaster in 1996.
The Patti Kaltsas Center project broke ground at the end of 2012 and opened for occupancy this past fall. This 12,000-square-foot-building includes a 225-seat auditorium, five classrooms, a student center with a kitchen, art gallery, art studio, yoga/dance studio, school store, and a billiards and game room.
Chris Kaltsas said he believes that the addition of the Patti Kaltsas building solidifies a sense of community on the SMS campus.
“Since we moved to the new campus in 1999, we have built classrooms, laboratories, training facilities, dormitories, and staff housing. Until now, we have not had a place where we can all come together 'as a team,' or invite the local community to share our campus. The Patti Kaltsas Center gives us that place.”