Hillsboro Elementary School students were presented with hard hats as they got off the bus or were dropped off by mom or dad at school Tuesday. Not because they were in danger, but because they were celebrating the completion of the school’s new cafeteria/commons area and kitchen.
The new cafeteria was built with monies from the School Building Authority (SBA), as well as matching funds from the Pocahontas County Board of Education. The cafeteria connects the main school building with the school gymnasium.
Principal Michelle Jeffers was all smiles as she greeted the students and watched them enjoying the new facility.
“It feels wonderful because when I was principal the first time here in 2004, it was when [the project] was first taken to the SBA and it was turned down,” Jeffers said. “I know that they have tried and tried for years.”
Although it was under construction, the cafeteria was a welcome sight this winter, when the temperatures dropped below zero on several occasions.
“Even though it wasn’t finished to eat in, it was just a joy to walk through to get to the gym, especially with the cold and horrible weather,” Jeffers said. “Today is a real celebration.”
Jeffers was concerned about today’s scheduled opening because school was closed Monday, but everything went off without a hitch.
“I think the switch over went very smoothly this morning,” she said. “I thank the parents for that. We are ready to make use of the building.”
Along with serving as a dining area for breakfast and lunch, the cafeteria will be used for meetings or events that require a lot of space.
Suzanne Stewart may be contacted at sastewart@pocahontastimes.com