It was standing room only Thursday during an official dedication ceremony at Frederick Douglass Elementary School. The event, which was held inside the school's gymnasium, focused on the past, present and future of the new building and its students.

The event kicked off with a performance by the Star Chorus who sang 'Discovery'. The Loudoun County High School Junior ROTC led the presentation of the colors.

Principal Timothy Martino and Assistant Principal Dee Dee Herndon-Wilson welcomed everyone to their school on Thursday. Remarks were made by school board members Jennifer Bergel (Catoctin), Bill Fox (Leesburg) and Tom Reed (At-Large). The guest speaker was former Frederick Douglass Principal Fred Drummond.

"We had an incredible turnout for today's dedication. So many people connected to the original Frederick Douglass joined us as well as many of our current families," Martino said. "It was an amazing day that allowed us to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and hope for the future!"

Earlier this week, Martino said the energy within the last seven weeks has been amazing and he is looking forward to the rest of the year. It's overwhelming the amount of support we've received, he said.