Norwich - Many people find it difficult to be accepted into a community they didn't grow up in, but Jacqueline Owens never felt that sort of awkwardness.

With three standing ovations during an hourlong ceremony, about 700 people celebrated the dedication of the Jacqueline Owens Auditorium at the Kelly Middle School Thursday, many of them probably unaware that Owens lives in Lebanon rather than Norwich.

For years, the NAACP Norwich branch president has attended city meetings, raised education and social issues with city officials and led numerous community events. She founded the annual Juneteenth celebration, commemorating the end of 19th century slavery, to be held Saturday at Norwich Harbor.

Construction on the 800-seat auditorium - part of the $40 million Kelly Middle School expansion - hadn't begun when school officials suggested naming it for Owens.

"There was no better choice," Mayor Peter Nystrom said Thursday. A plaque unveiled at the event has Owens' photo at the top and calls her: "A champion for all people (especially children) regardless of race or religion, a loved and respected community leader."

During his invocation, the Rev. Msgr. Robert L. Brown thanked God for "the gift of Jackie Owens" and her "effective and inspiring" efforts to improve the city.

Owens said she was "most humbled" that Norwich officials found her worthy of the honor.

"I humbly thank the city of Norwich for allowing me, a resident of Lebanon, to adopt Norwich, a great city," Owens said.

As other speakers described technical aspects of the city's only public school auditorium - high-backed seats, wide aisles, state-of-the-art sound and lighting - Owens marveled at the place.

"I just stand here in awe," Owens said. "Sometimes I don't believe that I'm here. … What a great job they have done."

Hundreds of Kelly Middle School students sat in the audience, and the school chorus performed "America the Beautiful." Students served as ushers.

"I love it!" said Hilda Velasquez, a former Kelly student and now parent of chorus member Najae Velasquez. "They did such a beautiful job. We're not all cramped in the cafeteria."

Charles Jaskiewicz, chairman of the Board of Education and the School Building Committee, said the entire school project is four months ahead of schedule and is under budget. The committee now is examining the wish list of optional items to add back.

While the auditorium is done and ready to host performances, two school wings remain under construction and are expected to be done by December.

c.bessette@theday.com