Grand opening for new gym slated for Feb. 3

A grand opening for the new Jenkins County High School gymnatorium will be held 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 3. The public is invited to attend. (Staff photo by Deborah Bennett)

A transformation has taken place on North Avenue as the final touches are put in place on one of the Jenkins County Board of Education's most ambitious construction projects, the new Jenkins County High School gymnatorium.

The gymnatorium has been issued a certificate of occupancy and plans are underway for its official opening. The $5 million project was started July 2006 with funding through Special Purpose Local Option (SPLOST) monies.

"You, as a community, were willing to put your penny to work for improvements to our school system, thus, a gymnatorium of which you can be proud," commented Joan Blackwood, Jenkins County school superintendent.

A grand opening will be held 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 3, giving the community an opportunity to tour the facility. In the lobby, there is a magnificent bronze statue of "Fighting Eagles" donated by Jim and Karen Bedingfield Pannell memorializing her brother, Bob Bedingfield, who was a star athlete at JCHS during the 1970's.

"This gift speaks volumes about community spirit and pride," said Blackwood.

"Please make plans to come by and share this exciting time for our school and community," she added.