They came, they saw, they fell in love

Published 2:15 pm Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Neither an overcast sky nor light drizzle, could dampen the spirits of Hamilton County residents on Sunday afternoon, July 18, at 3 p.m.

They came with curiosity, they listened with intent – to details of a vision – and they approved overwhelmingly – to what they witnessed. The birth of a dream and a milestone in the history of Hamilton County; the grand opening and dedication of the new Hamilton County High School took place over the weekend.



Mother Nature cooperated, the rain stopped and the sky cleared, and a perfect atmosphere prevailed for Hamilton County to make history. A state-of-the-art secondary educational facility for the community was dedicated.

The media – TV and newspaper – were there, along with politicians, community leaders, administrators, movers and shakers, teachers and Board members; but most importantly, the people were there, in full force and in full glory. Moms and dads, children, relatives and friends of all ages and backgrounds, mingled harmoniously throughout the grounds and buildings, where the future of Hamilton County will be designed.



It was a visionary School Board and administration back in August 2002, that realized a need and saw the future. Couple that vision with 75-acres of land, financial support from special facilities funding (earmarked to assist counties such as Hamilton), and behold a 23.6-million dollar edifice that will pay dividends to Hamilton’s future, bears fruition.

The dedication program on Sunday complimented the occasion. Even the written prompting on the inside program cover, “At the conclusion of today’s program, please visit the cafeteria for refreshments,” was right on target. The shinny, new cafeteria became a focal point of interest to the hundreds of school visitors, who were tour-guided throughout the complex by HCHS AFJROTC Cadets.



Even the complimentary chocolate bars were tastefully done with an commemorative wrapper picturing the new school, time and date of the event and district theme, “Changing lives through quality education.” One almost hated to tear-off the wrapper and bite into that delicious Hershey bar.

Particularly poignant for the occasion, were opening addresses to an over-flow audience in the new school auditorium, by Board Chairperson Martha Butler and the Dedicatory Address given by the Rev. Doug Hilliard of Jasper Presbyterian Church. The multitude on hand was introduced to new HCHS Principal Gene Starr by Superintendent Charles Blalock. A stirring “America the Beautiful” resonated throughout the auditorium, with audience participation led by SHE Principal Johnny Bullard.



In all, the open house and dedication of the new HCHS left little to be desired.



Noteworthy of recognition, along with the administration, Board and community, are the prepares, servers and helpers comprising the Hamilton County School Food Service Department. Their niche of accomplishment was obvious in the cafeteria and started on Saturday in order to be ready for the Sunday celebration.



Dedicated employees included: Ida Daniel, Food Service Coordinator, Juanita Adams, High School Cafeteria Manager, Phyllis Simmons, Central Cafeteria Manager, Gloria Andrews, North Hamilton Cafeteria Manager, Gracie Raven, Renelda McMillan, Rosa Hall, Dorothy Dowels, Linda Robinson-Nixon, Julia M. Dye, Sherry Mulkey, Ruby Zanders, Latisha Jackson, Naoko Tanguay, Clementine Flournoy, Sharon Jackson and Danny Daniels.