Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

GHS Dedicated

It is said a school is more than mortar and brick, walls and halls.

Schools are buildings which house tomorrow; and are more spirit than physical structure.

This is what Dr. Diana Julian, deputy director with the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE), said at the dedication of the new Gurdon High School Sunday afternoon.

She was the keynote speaker for the dedication ceremonies, held in the cafetorium.

Julian told the audience of about 250 she was proud to be in Gurdon at the time of this celebration. "It's refreshing to be part of a celebration on what the community stands for," she said.

"Places like Gurdon believe in the American heritage, that education is the greatest force to guarantee domestic tranquility," Dr. Julian continued. "You put education first. This new building reminds us of what goes on behind the 6 o'clock news."

Julian called education the best provision of old age. She said the new structure shows everyone who visits Gurdon its leaders are responsible and involved in the future of their community and children's lives.

"Your community understands the status of education is changing," she said. "To compete, changes must be explored, changes must be made. Your administration has done this.

"Students leaving (GHS) today need a different education. The focus should be away from specific innovations and onto high performing students, teachers, parents and leaders."

Julian said today's young people are owed structures where they can be safely educated. "This building is beautiful," she said. "It's modern design is for the future.

"Gurdon has much to be proud of."

The ceremonies were opened by Gurdon Mayor Rick Smith, who told those on hand how proud he was of them for coming together for a common goal to provide their children with a quality educational future.

"As mayor," he said, "words cannot express the pride I have.

"A lot (of communities) are not as fortunate as we are; to have as dedicated a people as we have. Gurdon High School is a vehicle to transport students to their educational future.

"You need quality working parts to work smoothly and efficiently," he continued. "We have that in our administration, teachers and student body. Your support, dedication, commitment and teamwork have made today possible."

State Sen. Mike Ross, of Prescott, who also represents a portion of Clark County, congratulated the people of Gurdon on getting the new school finished.

"People working together made this possible," he said. "(Gurdon Superintendent) Bobby Smithson is a hard worker and tries to do what he believes is right. You are fortunate to have someone like that."

Ross lauded the school board as well, telling the audience this is one of the toughest political offices. "The board members don't get paid," he said. "They volunteer their time to do what they do for the school and students.

"When people drive by, they will see a new building; they will see an investment in these children's future and the lives of children for generations to come."

Smithson said the district is lucky to have school board like it does in Gurdon. "They deserve a lot of credit for what's taken place," he said.

Smithson told the gathering the school is almost completely finished, with the exception of the gymnasium (which is under construction), the media center, agriculture lab and kitchen. These areas are currently in use at the old high school and will be moved when the new school officially opens.

Smithson said he hopes the move will be made during the Christmas holidays, as the water and sewer project began Monday, Oct. 30.

The Horace Cabe Foundation, along with Charles and Anita Cabe and Baptist Health Systems, were presented plaques for their contributions to the new facility.

In addition, the Clark County Quorum Court, Clark County Judge, and the contractors involved with the project were officially recognized and praised for their efforts.

Following the recognitions and speeches, those on hand toured the facilities. Alumnus of GHS gathered in different areas of the school, depending on when they graduated, for reunions.