Richwood cuts ribbon on new academic complex
We are honored to be part of the new Richwood High School and Cherry River Elementary School in Richwood. Read more about the tenacity, care, and determination of the community partners we had the pleasure of collaborating with on this exceptional academic complex in the excerpts from WOWK coverage provided below.
NICHOLAS COUNTY, W.Va. (WOWK) — On Monday, students of Richwood High School and Cherry River Elementary enjoyed state of the art facilities.
But for years, before the new complex was built, students were confined to mobile modular units outdoors.
That was the result of a 2016 flood that destroyed Richwood’s original schools. Students were forced to travel 20 minutes to Craigsville just to go to school. They had no lockers and no identity.
Ribbon cutting ceremonies held Monday ushered in a new era of education in Richwood.
“What I see here is a representation of due diligence, drive, determination, of resilience,” Nicholas County Commissioner Gary Roberts said. “And, I consider the school the heart of the community. We got our heart back.”
Federal FEMA funding allowed the town to rebuild, but it was anything but an easy process.
Federal money almost went elsewhere in Nicholas County, which would have left Richwood with nothing. City officials and residents fought tooth and nail to be able to have their own school again.
It took nearly 10 years, but residents are confident that Richwood is back and better than ever.
“Yes, this school is gorgeous,” Cherry River Principal Heather Sigley said. “It’s so great to be back in your hometown. I mean our parent involvement, we’re already planning a lot more because transportation was a big issue.”
The massive building combines the high school, middle school and elementary school into one elaborate campus. The building is highlighted by new architecture, stonemasonry and woodwork.
The finished product is already attracting new students, igniting hopes that it could transform the small city into a hotspot for families wanting to put their children in the best school possible.
“We have enrolled seven students today. So, our second grade, and some of our grades are getting pretty full, but our enrollment has already started since we’ve been back, which is exciting.”
The facilities are not yet 100% complete. Contractors are still present and putting on the finishing touches. But already, the children of Richwood are calling it their own.
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