Officials break ground on new high school
Published 1:37 pm Sunday, August 10, 2014
- Officials pose for a photo Wednesday during the Gardendale High School groundbreaking ceremony. From left is: Gardendale Parks and Recreation superintendent Stan Hogeland, Gardendale city clerk Keith Mosely, Gardendale Chamber of Commerce executive director Joy Clayton, Gardendale City Council member Oscar Mann, Jefferson County Board of Education superintendent Dr. Phil Hammonds, Gardendale Mayor Kenny Clemmons, Gardendale High School principal Dr. Anna Vacca, Jefferson County Board of Education member Karen Smith Nix, Gardendale head crossing guard Hazel Butts, Gardendale City Council member Billy Flippo and Gardendale Police Chief Mike Walker.
By Melanie Patterson
The North Jefferson News
Almost 40 years after the first class graduated from Gardendale HIgh School, officials have broken ground on a new building at the school.
Dozens of people were at the ceremony on Wednesday, held under a tent in the parking lot of Gardendale First Baptist Church across from the high school.
Dr. Anna M. Vacca, GHS principal, headed up the event. Also present were officials with the Jefferson County Board of Education, Davis Architects, Inc. and general contractor Brassfield and Gorrie.
Officials with the city of Gardendale also attended, along with teachers and other guests.
The Gardendale High School Chamber Choir and the high school band performed.
“In 1956 was the first groundbreaking for Gardendale High School. In 1968 was the first graduating class,” said Vacca. “We’re here almost 40 years later to recognize a brand new Gardendale High School.”
“This is a day we have long waited for,” said Dr. Phil Hammonds, Jefferson County Board of Education superintendent. “The students are the true beneficiaries.”
Jennifer Parsons, president of the school board, said that without the 1-cent tax collected in the state in 2005, there would not be six high schools soon to be built in Jefferson County.
“Thank yourself for shopping in Jefferson County to help build these schools,” she said.
School board member Karen Smith Nix lives in Gardendale. Her daughter graduated from GHS last year and she has a son at Bragg Middle School.
“This is a day to think back and remember Gardendale High School’s history and traditions, and to look forward and imagine its future aspirations and achievements,” said Nix. “Because that’s what we are really celebrating today – the bright future of the children of this city and our surrounding communities whose education is entrusted to Gardendale High School.”
Construction of the new high school will begin as soon as the site work is completed.
Two more high schools are scheduled to be rebuilt in north Jefferson County.
According to Nix, a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Corner High School will be held in about four months.
School board officials are still searching for property for the new Mortimer Jordan High School.
Nix said that Gardendale High School is being re-built first because the school is staying at the same location.
