WYNNE, Arkansas (KAIT) – Construction on the Wynne Yellowjackets’ new school is finally beginning.
On Monday, August 26, the district held its groundbreaking ceremony on the site of the new high school.
The school will be built on the same site as the old high school, which was destroyed by an EF3 tornado in March 2023.
Several people attended the ceremony.
“Our community. It’s small, but we’re strong and we stick together. It’s really great to see everyone here,” said Addyson Dooley, a student at Wynne High School.
A hot Monday afternoon could not dampen the celebrations of the new beginning in Wynne.
Superintendent Kenneth Moore said he didn’t think this day would come so soon, nor did he think it would.
“Absolutely not. A year ago, on March 31, we honestly didn’t think we would make it here, let alone be hit by a tornado,” he said.
School officials, Secretary of Education Bill Oliva and even Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders had a message for students.
Dooley, who was in history class last year when a tornado struck, said the moment was surreal.
“It’s amazing to hear from the governor. And we have people from all over who have really contributed to our community and that really means a lot to us,” she said.
The principal gave more details about what the new school will look like, saying the building is designed so that students don’t have to leave, but there is more to look forward to.
“We will equip the first level with shatter-proof glass and install many security features there so that visitors feel very protected when they arrive,” he said.
Dooley said that while she cannot walk the halls as a student, the school is making sure they are not forgotten. The school plans to dedicate a hall of fame to these students.
“It’s like a digital touchscreen. Last year, all the books were digitized. This way we can add our own little touch to the new campus,” she said.
The superintendent said the school had set a high goal to complete the school quickly, but for a special reason.
“We have a group of sophomores who, right now, are probably four to nine weeks away from being accepted into their senior year, but we are very clear that we want these kids to step on this campus,” Moore said.
“Once it’s done, I’d love to just go in and see how exciting it is,” Dooley said.
According to the school’s plans, the building is to be completed by the 2026/2027 school year.
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