Former first lady Michelle Obama will be honored by her high school alma mater when the school names its new athletics complex after her.
The $4.3 million facility at Whitney M. Young Magnet High School is about 10 years in the making and will feature a running track and a field where students can play baseball, softball, lacrosse, soccer and football.
Principal Joyce Kenner to the Chicago Tribune that Obama was grateful for the recognition.
"She just had the biggest smile on her face, I think she was just shocked that we had even thought of her," Kenner said. "Honestly, getting an opportunity to be in her presence twice. … I didn’t realize how humble she really is."
The school hopes the new track will make a big difference for its runners.
"Our kids have been running on the concrete for 44 years," Kenner said. "Now they will have a track in which they can practice their running, their hurdling, and have contests on the field."
Kenner expects the complex to be ready by May and will ask Obama to attend the announcement of its opening.
