OGDEN — Half a dozen black birds circled the crowd then swooped off toward the east mountains while below — with a drumroll, clang of cymbals and unfurling of a huge banner — Ogden High School launched its $9 million fundraising effort.

The goal is to restore and preserve historical elements of the school, built in 1936. The work will focus on the auditorium with its intricately carved and painted "art deco" designs. The old-time doors and windows are also on the restoration list.

"It's our heritage. It's where we came from and what our parents knew. It tells us our history," said Carolyn Nebeker, Class of 1956.

Friday, hundreds of alumni, students and community leaders gathered on the west side of the school to celebrate the fact that $6.8 million of the Ogden High School Capital Campaign has been committed by major donors.

Based on these pledges, restoration work is already under way, but $2.2 million still must be raised.

"This is an icon in our state. It is an icon in the community," said Spencer Eccles, the new executive director of the governor's Office of Economic Development, speaking to the group. He represented the Hayward Family Foundation, as well as the George and Dolores Dore' Eccles Foundation, each of which donated $1 million.

Constructing a new school building for Ogden High students would cost up to $55 million. Renovating the historical building is estimated up to $70 million. The Foundation must make up the difference above what Ogden District's bond will fund. A total of $9 million is the goal — $15 million would take it to the top.

Completing a fundraiser during a recession may seem an impossible dream, but supporters point to the passion of the community and the number of Ogden High graduates from past years.

"It's always difficult to have a capital campaign any time. But there is a lot of support for this," said E. LaMar Buckner, Class of 1940.

Eccles announced Friday he will add to the student fundraising efforts, giving $1,000 if the teens can raise $5,000.

Ogden High student body president Kel Robbins told the Deseret News the student body has no problem taking on the challenge. "We know how special Ogden High is. We know it's really old and how great it is. It's an amazing building," he said.

Many teens also think it's cool there have been several movies, including "Three O-Clock High," filmed at the school since it makes a great movie set. Student government officers will be launching hefty fundraisers within the next few weeks, Robbins said.