By Julie Johansen
Citizens, Government Leaders, School Board members, faculty and students were involved in the ribbon cutting at the new Emery High School (EHS) on Monday, Sept. 9. The evenings program began with a welcome by Superintendent Jim Shank. Demi PItchforth, Student body President, then spoke to the crowd and expressed the students’ appreciation for the new school. She related the advantages available to students with the learning advancements in the new building.
Principal Steven Gordon then told the history of Emery High, beginning with the decision in the 1961 to combine North and South Emery High’s in one Emery County High School, which later became just Emery High. This was made following the recommendations of the state Physical Facilities Committee in regard to the need for new structures, as well as the cost for the district of running two high schools in this area. He followed with the advancement of the building until the present time of the new building. Tracey Johnson, School Board Member, then spoke about the emphasis of the new building being placed on student learning.
Following Johnson’s remarks, a ribbon cutting was directed by the Emery County Business Chamber (ECBC) and everyone was then invited into the new building. A spacious commons area welcomed the crowds. Refreshments and swag were available for all the onlookers.
Student Council members were on hand to give tours for those desiring direction and information. Others wandered through both the upstairs and main hall classrooms, labs and many advanced learning areas such as media center, counselors offices and training centers. This acted as a great opportunity for those attending to see where their tax money had been put to such a wonderful building for the learning and advancement of students leading to community leadership.
