BIDWELL - Backers of a bond issue campaign for new buildings in the Gallia County Local Schools will have another reason to celebrate on Saturday when the first of two groundbreaking ceremonies is held behind Bidwell-Porter Elementary School.

The 1:30 p.m. event will kick off work on the new River Valley High School. Comments from school administrators, citizens and students will be heard and a bean dinner will be served.

Due to weather conditions, those planning to attend the ceremony should park at B-P, where shuttle transportation to the construction site is available.

The new RVHS is the first project to be paid from proceeds of the 7.4-mill bond issue voters approved in November 2005. Spearheaded by the Quality Schools for Quality Kids Committee co-chaired by Bill Swain and the late Dale Holcomb, the issue also allows for a new South Gallia High School and improvements to Gallia County Local's grade schools.

Groundbreaking for the new SGHS building, to be built behind the current high school in Mercerville, will be Saturday, Nov. 11 at 1:30 p.m.

All alumni, educators, staff and former board of education members are invited to attend both ceremonies.

A parade will precede Saturday's RVHS groundbreaking. It will form at Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Bidwell, and anyone wanting to join the parade should be there by 12:30 p.m.

“It almost seems unreal,” Superintendent Dr. Charla Evans said about reaching this point in the process.

“It's something I've dreamed of since I came to Gallia County,” she added. “I am grateful to the board of education for putting the question to the voters of the district. I am grateful to Bill Swain and Dale Holcomb for their work with the Quality Schools for Quality Kids Committee, and I am grateful to the people for their vote and for their investment in their future and the future of Gallia County.”

“It's one of the most gratifying experiences I've ever had,” Evans said.

The tentative program for Saturday's ceremony includes an invocation by Jim Williams of Mount Carmel Baptist Church, the pledge of allegiance by RVHS Senior Class President Elaine Householder and the playing of the national anthem by the combined choirs of River Valley and South Gallia.

Alumni recognition will be offered by Hannan Trace Elementary School Principal Rochelle Finley, followed by remarks from Evans, Swain, Householder, RVHS Principal J. Michael Jacobs, faculty representative Cindy Graham, Board of Education President Terry Halley and Steve Dzuranin, project manager and senior associate with Dublin-based Fanning, Howey and Associates, architects for the new RVHS. A benediction will be offered by Chester Hess of Vinton Baptist Church.

A bean dinner prepared by Southwestern Elementary School Principal Larry Carter will be served, with the Rev. Sharron Courneen of Trinity United Methodist Church at Porter blessing the meal.