Highlands High School in North Highlands celebrated the completion of a $2.2 million stadium renovation on Thursday, transforming a beloved local venue into a world-class athletic facility. The Twin Rivers School District funded the project through its capital outlay fund, making significant upgrades that include a new press box, professional-grade athletic turf, a modern video scoreboard, and refreshed signage. Athletic Director Steve Akes, who has worked at Highlands for over 40 years, praised the facility, saying it’s now on par with major venues like the Pasadena Coliseum. The timing couldn’t be better—the first home football game against North Tahoe is scheduled for Friday, August 29 at 7 p.m., giving the newly renovated stadium an immediate opportunity to shine.
What sets this project apart isn’t just the infrastructure improvements, but how the district is connecting them to student learning. The digital media class program will operate the new video board as part of their curriculum, giving students hands-on experience with professional equipment while contributing to game day experiences. Principal Darryl Hawthorne, who is a Highlands alumnus, emphasized that this renovation represents a legacy investment in both the school and the North Highlands community. His perspective is particularly meaningful given his personal connection to the campus—his mother worked in the school’s cafeteria.
For families in the Twin Rivers School District, this upgrade represents something larger: a visible commitment to youth development and community pride. Capital outlay investments like this one support competitive athletics programs and create spaces where students build confidence and school spirit. Whether you’re a longtime Highlands supporter or just discovering what’s new at the stadium, Friday night’s game offers the perfect chance to experience the transformation firsthand. Are you planning to catch the game and see the renovated stadium?
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Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
