This morning, Cicero District 99 officially broke ground on the future Brian Dominick Early Childhood Center, located at the former Daniel Burnham Elementary School site at 1630 S. 59th Ave., marking an important and emotional milestone for the district and the broader Cicero community.

The ceremony, led by District 99 Superintendent Dr. Aldo Calderin, served as both a tribute to the life and legacy of former Building and Grounds Director Brian Dominick and as a symbol of hope for the next generation of Cicero's youngest learners. It was a moment that reflected not only on Brian's lasting impact on the community, but also on the bright future this new center will help create — something many said is exactly what Brian would have wanted.

The morning began with a moving prayer from Town Chaplain Ismael Vargas, who asked God to bless the ground, the soil, the children, and the future of the Cicero community. His words set the tone for a ceremony filled with reflection, gratitude, and optimism.

School Board President Tom Tomschin described the occasion as bittersweet. As our District continues to face a steady decline in enrollment over the last several years, the Board of Education is working diligently to find creative and meaningful ways to attract families to the district. Board members believe that investing in early childhood education is one major step in that effort and will help fill an important need within the community.

The emotion of the morning was especially evident with the presence of Town of Cicero President Larry Dominick, Brian's father, along with Brian's brother Derek and other members of the Dominick family. Town trustees and department leaders were also in attendance, joined by members of the Board of Education, district administrators, and Brian's friends and colleagues from the Building and Grounds Department.

Adding a heartfelt and joyful touch to the event was the attendance of Brian's beloved pet bulldog, Zeke, who was announced as the official mascot of the new center — proudly continuing the Bulldog tradition long associated with the former Burnham School. Zeke quickly became a favorite among guests!

While the morning was filled with emotion, it was also centered on hope. Some of the district's youngest learners were invited to take part in the groundbreaking festivities, bringing energy and excitement to the occasion. Wearing hard hats, carrying their own gold shovels, and eagerly tossing dirt during the ceremony, the children offered a powerful reminder of exactly who this new center is being built for.

Today's event was a reflection of what the Cicero community is all about: generations coming together to honor those who left a lasting mark, while investing in a stronger future for those who will follow.

This project is truly a team effort, and District 99 extends its sincere thanks to the CCS and Vision construction crews, Legat architects, and all those working behind the scenes to help make both this ceremony and the larger vision for the Brian Dominick Early Childhood Center possible.

Cicero District 99 now looks ahead with great anticipation to the grand opening of this important new facility in the years to come!