$28 Million School Project Underway in Holly

Ready for the Groundbreaking Ceremony

Holly School District Superintendent Carlyn Yokum got a round of cheers from the audience of school students, teachers and citizens when she told the gathering that a brand new school would be waiting for them by the fall of 2013. 

Groundbreaking for the school, which will serve approximately 300 students between pre-kindergarten and 12^th graders, was held in Holly, Wednesday, March 7.  The “green” oriented project is funded in part by a BEST (Building Excellent Schools Today) Grant, and a $3.4 million bond which was passed by Holly residents.  The construction work is being done in phases over the year and when complete, the students will have a school featuring a 109,000 square foot campus, as well as a new football field, baseball diamond and track field.  Construction work has already begun clearing those sites east of the field by the construction crew from Adolfson and Peterson, the main contractors for the project. 

The schedule calls for the athletic fields to be completed by August, as well as renovation work on the WPA Gym and Vo Tech Building.  The new school should be completed by June 2013 and the existing junior/senior school will be demolished by September.  The new facility will also provide a safe area for students and faculty during any severe storms, capable of withstanding winds up to 300 mph.  After the March spring break, there will be some changes to the daily routine, as starting March 19, all drop-off and pick-up activity will occur on Main Street.  Signs will be posted for motorists.  Student parking will be relocated near the vo-tech and wrestling buildings. 

Holly School District Superintendent Carlyn Yokum

Those attending the groundbreaking ceremonies included students and band, members of the construction firm, the Prowers County Commissioners, Holly Mayor Viola Melcher and Town Administrator Marsha Willhite, members of the school board, principals Randy Holman and Heather Flynt, Jace Nordyke Student Council President and Ira Paulin, whom Superintendent Yokum said has provided continued assistance as a project volunteer.

By Russ Baldwin