By: James Pruitt
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
Pioneer residents came out in force Sunday to celebrate the dedication of the new North Central High School.
The event gives a communal start date to the school and helps bridge the generations, many which had attended the old high school the new structure replaced. Several dignitaries attended the event as well as school board members, staff members and the high school Marching Band.
The 35-minute ceremony featured comments from Superintendent Ken Boyer, Board President Jim Fee, Pioneer Mayor Ed Kidston and State Sen. Cliff Hite. Senior Class President Jessica Cummins represented the student body.
Pastor Gene McBride gave the invocation and benediction.
“We are here for the love of the children of North Central,” McBride said.
The Marching Band, decked out in their red, black and white uniforms performed the National Anthem and the North Central Fight Song.
The North Central Choir performed the school’s alma mater.
Boyer, beaming with pride, expressed gratitude for being able to open the school as planned in September. He said there were times when people doubted it could be done.
He also thanked Hite and Kidston for their efforts in keeping the project going after it had stalled for a bit.
Fee was proud the district was able to build the new school without raising taxes, making itself the envy of other districts around the area. He acknowledged the sacrifice of the community’s senior citizens who lost a part of their memories with the demolition of the old school.
For Kidston, it was a good feeling to see a school that had been talked about for years finally come to fruition.
Hite talked about coming up to Montpelier when he was doing color commentary for WBNO’s boys basketball coverage. He said he has always loved Montpelier and could not pass up an opportunity to help celebrate the new school.
Boyer pointed out that two old doors from the old high school auditorium had been revamped and placed on either side of the stage in the commons area linking the future and the past.
James Pruitt may be reached at
publisher@thevillagereporter.com