Safety and security continue to be a major focus for Washington County Public Schools. A ribbon cut Wednesday morning, celebrated the newly renovated front entrance of Patrick Henry High School. This new entrance features a security vestibule, adding an extra layer of protection for students and staff. Other improvements include canopies at the entrances to help students stay out of the weather when getting on and off buses, as well as energy efficient windows on the front of the building.
“We had a safe school before, but we have a much safer school now,” said Dr. Tim Duncan, principal, of Patrick Henry High School. “It is very safe and secure."
This improvement project has been a priority for the school division for the past few years and was made possible with help from school division leaders, local lawmakers, and the Washington County Board of Supervisors.
Patrick Henry students and staff say they are grateful for the enhanced security, and new look of the high school.
“It is really impressive to see all of the improvements we’ve made in the last few years,” said Isabella Stuart, a senior at PHHS. “My parents went to Patrick Henry, and I have a lot of family that have went through the school, so to see these changes and see the improvements has just been impeccable.”
“As a 1990 graduate of Patrick Henry myself, as far as the aesthetics and how the school looks from the front and from the road, very little has changed in a long time,” added Dr. Duncan. “For people in Glade Spring, Emory, and Meadowview communities, this is a big change, and so it brings a level of excitement and sense of pride for our community.”
The ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday featured members of the Rebel Regiment playing the National Anthem, while members of the Rebel Voices sang a few Christmas tunes for those in attendance.
The ceremony also included remarks from Dr. Tim Duncan, Dr. Keith Perrigan, superintendent of Washington County Public Schools, school board members Dr. Lee Brannon and Mr. Sanders Henderson, and Delegate Israel O’Quinn.
