New Community High makes debut

Almost every seat was filled in the auditorium of the new Community High School as its doors were opened to the public at an open house and ribbon cutting Sunday afternoon.

The dedication ceremony opened with words of welcome by School Superintendent Ed Gray and Amy Martin, a Bedford County Board of Education member who represents the school's service area.

"This could not have been done without each of you who are here today," said Martin.

The ceremony included a ribbon cutting, speeches delivered by county officials, and an invocation by Ron Adcock, another board of education member from northwestern Bedford County.

The 1,600 square foot building includes wireless technology in most parts of the school, Gray said. The new facility also features a high-tech auditorium, spacious gymnasium and weight rooms, and larger classrooms to accommodate its growing number of students. Approximately 1,700 K-12 students are enrolled for the fall semester in all Community School facilities.

Bedford County Mayor Eugene Ray quoted the late president John F. Kennedy, "Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education."

"Our young people are our most valuable resources; as mayor of Bedford County, it is an honor to be here," Ray said. "This is a great day for education and a great day for Bedford County."

Bedford County Board of Education members and State Sen. Jim Tracy were in attendance for the ceremony. Gray acknowledged Tracy as a strong fighter for education and thanked Community High administrators for their hard work.

Gray concluded the ceremony by thanking parents for supporting their children and encouraged all in attendance to explore the new campus and for the Community High faculty to introduce themselves to the families.

"Thank you for entrusting your students with us," Gray said.

The new school is located at 1140 Unionville-Deason Road in Unionville.