District hosts ceremony for new elementary

One of Elgin’s upcoming elementary schools celebrated its development progress with a traditional topping out ceremony.

Elgin’s Independent School District hosted the customary Scandinavian tradition on Sept. 22 for the new Harvest Ridge Elementary School, placing a pine tree atop the highest beam of the building under construction.

Traditionally performed to appease tree-dwelling spirits in the region of its origin, it has evolved to celebrate the progress of developments.

The beam was signed by school district and construction company representatives, including Superintendent Jana Rueter and Harvest Ridge developer Brohn Homes, and was hoisted up to what will eventually become the young learning center’s entranceway.

Harvest Ridge is slated for completion in fall 2024, coming just northwest of downtown Elgin.