Three students, representing Henryetta's elementary, middle and high schools, turned the first shovels of dirt for construction of two new buildings.
The three, Dakota Patterson, Missy French and Amy Delso signaled the start of the year-long construction project Monday morning. Patterson is a fourth grade student receiving the honor after posting a perfect attendance record this year. French is an eighth grader who already has plans to become an anesthesiologist and Delso is an HHS senior who wants to major in political science and become a state representative.
The groundbreaking took place before every student from pre-K through high school Monday morning.
Gathering on the street east of the grade school, the students heard State Senator Roger Thompson call the event, "a historic moment for Henryetta and the area." He said the vision shown by voters approving the $9-million bond issue shows they, "want to invest in your young people." He predicted the education gained from the STEM program would result in job opportunities staying in Henryetta. "The future will be brighter ahead because of this vision," he said.
Stacy Bullard, a middle school teacher and STEM coordinator for the district told the nearly 1,000 students that some 8,000 jobs relating to science, engineering and math are projected to be available in Oklahoma in the next five years.
"If students don't choose STEM studies, they won't be qualified for those jobs. We don't want that for Henryetta any longer."
Bullard said the Lead The Way program partnering with OU and OSU will be making it possible for students to receive an hour for hour scholarship. "For every hour taken here, it will equal one free hour in college."
Bullard praised superintendent Dwayne Noble and the school board for their efforts and vision to make the new buildings possible.
Construction of the two buildings, one containing additional classrooms for the elementary grades and the other housing science and computer labs, will start in November.
They will also be built to protect students from storms. "Look around at all the students gathered here," said grade school principal Kelly Furer. "These two new buildings and the safe room at the Early Learning Center will keep everyone safe."
Photos from the groundbreaking ceremony:
