Government funded upgrades revealed at Beechworth Secondary College

The upgrades include new classrooms, a two-lab science and resource centre, common areas, seminar rooms and staff rooms.

The project was funded by the Victorian state government.

School principal Patricia Broom said the opening of the new upgrades was not just an exciting time for the school, but the entire community.

"Our focus for the future is to continually improve the education opportunities that we offer our students," Ms Broom said.

"With this outstanding new space it's easier, more comfortable and the flexible nature of it's basis has already inspired teachers to work in different and creative ways.

"This investment in our school gives our students a sense of the importance of education and builds the pride that they have for the school.

"It is my hope that all of the students here make the most of their opportunities."

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The school principal said that during the demolition of the old school buildings, community members visited and shared stories of their time in the classrooms.

"As the demolition progressed many stories emerged as people came to visit and see what was happening," she said.

"Old students came to see their old classrooms for the last time, where they spent their childhoods, before the buildings disappeared forever."

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes, who attended the unveiling, reflected on her initial visit to the school several years ago.

"I've been a member of parliament now for six years and one of the most memorable visits of my time in parliament was a visit to this school," Ms Symes said.

"Unfortunately it was memorable because I was really disappointed at the facilities that this community had to endure to get a good education.

"I came through on a freezing cold day and the facilities were just shameful.

"I did get pretty angry about it."

Ms Symes said what she saw at the time was not fit for purpose.

"It was pretty heartbreaking to hear that students from the area would come here and see the school and parents were so disappointed in the facilities that they'd put them on buses and go to schools in other towns," she said.

"That's going to stop now, because this school is something that your community can be proud of."

Ms Symes praised principal Broom, calling her "one of the most fierce principals in all of Victoria".