GALLIPOLIS — The downpour that prevented the actual groundbreaking of the new South Gallia High School on Saturday didn’t dampen the spirits of supporters.

At the beginning of the ceremony, which took place inside the school’s gym, Patrick Stout, director of instructional services, took a moment to honor American veterans in celebration of Veteran’s Day.

“All over America today, cities and villages are having parades, special programs, bands and speeches. Who are those American veterans? Who are those men and women who spent 365 days a year, seven days a week, 24 hours a day in places all around the world?” Stout asked.

“Those people are sons and daughters, your neighbors; they’ve come from cities, small towns, farms. They’ve come from every state in the union. They represent every ethnic group.”

He went on to speak about freedom and the price those veterans paid for that freedom.

“If you ask a veteran today, what is it they would want us to remember, they may say: please respect their fellow comrades, remember their courage and commitment, celebrate everyday your freedom, please continue to defend the ideals of democracy, peace and liberty around the world,” Stout said. “And more importantly they would probably say to you, please continue to carry the torch of freedom and hope of future generations.”

After the honoring of the veterans, the groundbreaking ceremony began with the recognition of members of the Gallia County Local Board of Education and key guests, as well as a few words from State Rep. Clyde Evans, who celebrated his pride in Gallia County.

“What a great day. The rain makes no difference; it’s a great day,” Evans said. “I’m so proud that I am a Gallia County school graduate and I’m proud that Gallia County has stepped to the forefront of this 21st century.”

Evans spoke on the changes happening in “this knowledge based economy” and how the new schools will help push Gallia County into a new era.

“These schools are schools of excellence,” Evans said. “And I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t want to move to Gallia County.”

Alumni in attendance were recognized by school and the spouses of those individuals who put long hours into making the dream of new schools a reality were honored.

Superintendent Dr. Charla Evans took a moment to remember Sgt. Dale Holcomb, co-chair of the Quality Schools for Quality Kids committee. “Mr. Holcomb was a staunch supporter of the children of this county, and though he is gone in body, I know his spirit will live in the memories and the work he started while he was here,” Evans said.

Co-chair Billy Swain took the stage on behalf of the committee to thank everyone for coming out for the groundbreaking.

He spoke of the history of South Gallia, the newest of the old schools in the county, and the hard work by supporters for the campaign.

“We knew to get our kids new schools in this county, it was not going to be easy,” Swain said. “But we were willing to give it our best shot to get our kids new schools and we did it.”

For Swain, the driving force behind his desire to see new schools in the county, were the countless schools popping up in bordering counties.

“Over the past several years, our kids would go to a neighboring school and were walking into new facilities,” Swain said. “They noticed that.”

“The kids in this district are just as deserving as other kids,” Swain said, and then went on to thank committee members, voters, the school board and everyone who had a hand in the campaign.

He took a few moments to also honor Holcomb.

“I can honestly stand here and say without Dale’s dedication we would not be here today. He was the driving force to get this job done and he is sadly missed,” Swain said.

When SGHS Principal Scot West took the stage, he did so with the school’s new motto “Excellence demanded, excellence achieved, it’s excellent to be a Rebel.”

He spoke of the advances the school has made academically and athletically, and how hard the students have worked to “earn” those achievements.

“It’s my belief that many more accomplishments are to come,” West said. “The new building that we are breaking ground for today will truly enhance the future success of the students of South Gallia High School.”

He then thanked the voters for voting yes on last year’s ballot.

“The students of South Gallia will not let you down,” West said.

Following West, was Senior Class President Elizabeth Miller, who spoke of her experiences at South Gallia.

She is proud to have attended South Gallia and will never forget the experiences she had, but knew early on that a new facility was needed.

“We needed classrooms in which everyone could fit, air-conditioning for those blazing hot days and a cafeteria that could hold everyone at once, so we didn’t have to sit on the bleachers or on the floor in the hallways to eat lunch,” Miller said.

When the bond issue passed, Miller said she jumped for joy.

“Obviously, being a senior this year, I will not be able to say I walked down those hallways or cheered on that end of the basketball court. I will however be able to say that I took part in getting this new building built,” Miller said. “I can proudly say I supported the building of this new facility to better the learning environment of the students. I did it for our future generation. I did it for my future generation.”

Leda Harrison, faculty representative, took the stage next to give the faculty’s thanks.

With the new building, faculty can focus less on the distractions of an aging building and more on teaching, Harrison said.

“Our students have proven themselves many times to overcome inadequate facilities and stereotypes,” Harrison said. “Our cheerleaders’ practice area is in our front lobby, nevertheless they are reigning national champions. Our basketball team received back-to-back sectional champions. Our football team has earned two trips to the play-offs. Our students have to take tests in a crowded cafeteria, elbow to elbow, with the freezer humming loudly in the background. Nevertheless, we received an excellent rating on our state report card.”

“Some cynics might say, if you are doing so well academically and athletically, why do you need a new school,” Harrison continued. “My answer is because the students earned it, they deserve it and that is their reward.”

Project architect Steve Dzuranin of Fanning Howey, spoke on behalf of the firm’s involvement in the building of the new schools.

“Without you folks in the community supporting the future of Gallia County, this day would not be possible,” Dzuranin said. “As architects, simply put, we design buildings. But a school is more than a building. A school is a place; a place to learn, a place to foster dreams, a place molds character and a place that conjures up fond memories.”

According to Dzuranin, the firm takes on the responsibility with a profound sense of obligation and thanked the staff, administration and community for their cooperation and trust.

Due to the rain, the actual groundbreaking was not held during the ceremony, but attendees were invited to attend a meal immediately after.

In closing, Terry Halley, president of the board of education, took his turn at the podium and turned the focus of the ceremony to the children in the audience who would one day walk the halls of the new South Gallia High School.

“They are the reasons you did what you did; they are the reasons you voted to give them new facilities, which is a better place to live and learn. They’re your teachers, your doctors, your lawyers and your carpenters,” Halley said. “They’re your future. They’re the future of Gallia County.”