Well, it’s official. The new Orphan School expansion is finished. The ribbon is cut, the opening ceremony has ended, and all of our hard work has paid off. Less than 11 months since the start of this campaign, new computers are in the computer lab and students are studying in their new classrooms.

For all of our 271 backers who missed the event yesterday at the Maxton Strong School, here are a few pictures. So happy that a few of our engineers from EMI in Delhi could attend, as well as our friends and angel investors, Manjul and Alka Saxena, who flew out from London. It was our honor to name the new wing in memory of the Saxena’s son Samartha (or Sam). Alka made a beautiful tribute speech to Sam recounting his generous spirit and his love of learning. May these qualities reverberate through the Samartha Saxena Memorial Wing for as long as it stands.

As this project comes to a smooth and triumphant conclusion, we just want to thank you all, from the smallest contributor to the largest…from Ruby and her $10 challenge, to Rich Pickering’s classroom penny collection…for every Facebook share and Twitter tweet…for all the encouragement from all across the world. Lives are being changed and will be changed for years to come thanks to all of us.

The team.

Kelly looks back from a sea of Maxton Strong School students.

Children dancing as part of the opening celebration.

It was my honor to attend the ceremony and make a short speech on following your dreams. The new building stands behind me.

Jessica and Pinky perform as part of a dance troop for the occasion.

Eugene George, Clifton Shipay, Manjul Saxena, Alka Saxena, Naresh Chandra Saxena, John Marshall and Rick Shipway.

School Chairman Clifton Shipway kicking off the ceremony.

Reliving a dream of dunking a basketball to illustrate a point.

Children performing a dance on the stage.

A small plaque to share Sam’s story.