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On a bright bright sunny shiny day…..the hills were alive with bulldozers pushing dirt as work continues on the land for the new Magee Elementary School..
County officials, school officials, teachers, parents, supporters, and elementary age children were on hand for the official ground breaking for Magee Elementary.
Greg Paes welcomed everyone and talked of the long journey traveled to come to this place. Witnessing the “first” shovel was somewhat over whelming for many in the audience. Teachers and parents could not believe the day finally arrived…we were witnessing history! As I watched the children play…the parents smile…and the official almost breathing a sigh of relief, the ones of us gathered on that hill stood witness to what love, determination, and hard work can achieve,
With the noise of the bulldozers in the background, School board member, Linda Curlee, led in prayer. How fitting that we should begin this “earth moving” journey with prayer. I am proud to live in Simpson County…I am proud our school still believes in prayer…I am proud our people pray.
Mrs. Doris Perkins, president of the Simpson County School board, spoke of the challenges the board has faced for many years trying to secure the money…trying to secure the property, and trying to take care of her little “sugar lumps.” (That is what Mrs. Perkins has and always will call the elementary children…a former teacher …she loves and adores the children). Mrs. Perkins led the group in a cheer for the “sugar lumps.”
Shovels were “shoved” …pictures were made…and cheers were heard. Following the “official” ground breaking picture, Magee Elementary teachers made their own “shovel digging” picture! I don’t think there was anyone more excited than the teachers to see their dream becoming a reality. All elementary children present were encouraged to gather for a picture.
Former land owner Chris Lane was present for the event. Many people criticized the choice of the “Chris Lane” property…but once the dirt work began a beautiful site emerged. Today, I don’t think anyone questioned the choice.
MageeNews.com has several videos for Tuesday’s ceremony. (I will post these on Wednesday)
But, I’ve just got to say this, the hills were alive with the sound of music…and the roaring of the backhoes and big dump trucks was truly music to our ears!
Thank you to the many many people who worked diligently to see this day come!
Pictured: Superintendent of Education Greg Paes, Magee Elementary Principal Dr. Paul Lawrence, Mayor Jimmy Clyde, School Board Members Sammy Welch, Doris Perkins, Dale Shots, former Superintendent of Education Glenn Harris, and School Board Member Linda Curlee.
