HOWARD — On Sunday, a sizable contingent of community members turned out for the formal dedication of the new East Knox Middle School, and were welcomed by the school’s principal Dayton “Hub” Reed. Following introductions by Superintendent John Marschhausen, Pastor Chuck Hagy of Journey Church gave the invocation and the Knox County Career Center Junior Air Force ROTC honor guard presented the colors.
Two students who had spoken at the groundbreaking ceremony also addressed the dedication guests. After two weeks of classes in the new building, seventh-grader Dara Forshey thinks the middle school is a good thing. She said she can already see the positive impact the new facility has had on the students.
“It has made it easier for me to learn and do my work,” she said, “and pay attention because we have a lot more space and are not bumping each other’s elbows while trying to work. Everyone I’ve talked to agrees with me.”
Forshey likes not being in the same school building as the high school students, and appreciates that her locker and classes are on the same floor.
“The design of the building is perfect for kids our age,” she said. “The classroom space that we have makes it easier for us to work. The atmosphere that we are in is great. Being in a new school with air conditioning is so cool. And the new technology is great.”
Kenton Mickley, a fifth-grader, compared the new school with the Bladensburg High School from which his grandfather graduated.
“He had a graduating class of 17,” Mickley said. “My class has over 80 students. He used chalkboards. We have Smartboards. He had to turn on the lights. We walk into a room and the lights turn on. He only had books and pictures. We have books and computers. What changes we have made in two generations. Can you image what two more generations will bring?”
Clair Howey of the architectural firm Fanning Howey said, “We have a very successful project here.” He praised the contractors and the entire construction team. Howey commended the community and all those who made the facility possible, and especially applauded Marschhausen for his involvement with the project, from promoting the levy to the design process to construction oversight.
Community members were again thanked when school board president Renee McDaniel officially dedicated the building.
“Without their support at the polls,” she said, “the funding for this school would not have been available.”
McDaniel also thanked the levy committee, Marschhausen, Treasurer Jessie Busenburg and the architects. Last, but not least, she expressed thanks to all the staff in the entire district for “working well together, diligently moving and making sure the buildings were ready for the first day of school.”
Following the formal ribbon cutting, middle school students served as guides for those individuals wanting a tour of the building.
