Weber School District celebrated the grand opening of its sixth and final Teen Center on August 14 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at West Field High School. The new center is a testament to the district’s and community’s shared commitment to supporting students and ensuring every young person has the resources they need to thrive.

The event, filled with a sense of excitement and gratitude, featured remarks from community leaders, school officials, and district representatives who were instrumental in bringing the project to fruition. The West Field Chamber Choir’s beautiful performance set the tone for the event.

A Community's Collective Effort

Weber School District Foundation Executive Director Emily Oyler expressed her excitement, noting that the opening of the West Field Teen Center marks the completion of a district-wide effort to establish these essential spaces in all six high schools. The centers were made possible through a collaboration of community partners, donors, and legislative support.

“This project was meant to be unstoppable,” said Oyler, highlighting the dedication of countless individuals and organizations. The Weber School Foundation’s Christmas Tree Jubilee donors raised nearly $700,000, and state legislative funding secured over $1 million, demonstrating a community-wide belief in the mission.

Superintendent Gina Butters echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the Teen Center is “a loud and unwavering declaration that every student matters.” Butters shared a poignant story about a former Roy High School student who was experiencing homelessness. He was supported by the school’s staff who saw his potential beyond his circumstances. Butters explained that the new Teen Center provides a dedicated space where students can get the help they need, just as that student did.

“These voices helped him to rise,” Butters said. “When you step into the Teen Center, you’ll see shelves lined with essential supplies. You’ll find quiet, safe spaces where you can exhale, reset, and focus.”

More Than a Building

The West Field Teen Center is more than a space—it’s a beacon of hope for students facing challenges such as homelessness, food insecurity, or financial hardship. School officials shared powerful anecdotes that underscored the critical need for this resource.

West Field High School Principal Mike Martini recounted the story of a student who was homeless last year. The student’s courage to continue attending school and working toward graduation inspired the school community. The Teen Center is a direct response to such needs, offering students a place to wash their clothes, take a shower, and access essential supplies without fear or embarrassment.

“The Teen Center is an answer to that need,” Martini said. “It is a reflection of our values of excellence and respect.”

Vision and Partnership

The project was a collective effort, with Oyler and other speakers recognizing the many partners who made the center a reality. Construction and design were led by Hogan & Associates Construction and MHTN Architects, with vital support from the Weber School District Facilities and Maintenance departments. Oyler, Butters, and Weber School Foundation Board President Jeremy Dunn all thanked the Weber School District Board of Education and the Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce for their steadfast support.

Dunn reminded the audience that the project is not a finish line but a starting point. He encouraged the community to continue supporting the centers by volunteering, donating, and helping to mentor students. “Love them,” he said. “That’s what we should be doing.”

As the ceremony concluded, attendees were invited to tour the new center, which features comfortable furniture, shelves stocked with supplies, and quiet spaces for students to relax and study. The West Field High Teen Center will serve as a hub of compassion, ensuring that every student who walks through its doors feels seen, valued, and safe.

West Field High Teen Center Opens Doors, Providing Students with a Safe Haven