Robby Robertson
The Athens Review
Athens —
More than 50 community leaders, school board members, Athens Independent School District faculty and staff, Athens Chamber of Commerce members and friends gathered at Athens Intermediate School for the ribbon cutting to celebrate the new additions.
The renovations were part of the $2.5 million bond that was passed last year. A new hall was added with six classrooms, along with a new covered entrance and security checkpoint.
“This is an exciting day for Athens Independent School District, and more importantly, Athens Intermediate,” Superintendent Dr. Fred Hayes said. “What a great day that we can come look at this great building and the improvements that have been made, that will be here for 20 or 30 years, and have a lasting legacy.”
Hayes said he feels like the school board did a good job with being mindful of taxpayers, and how their money is being used.
Principal Dr. Janie Sims told the crowd she was so thankful for the turnout of community members who showed up for the event.
“You just never know when you send out invitations who all will come,” Sims said. “Intermediate has such a rich history, and it is so family-oriented that it is so nice to see all of you here.”
PBK Architect Gabe Palacios presented Sims a plaque that will hang on the front of the school that recognizes the new addition to the school, and what year it was done.
“It’s been a privilege to serve this district,” Palacios said. “The administrators at this district really care about the students, and that’s what we see the most. After talking with Dr. Sims on several occasions, I knew this was a great place.”
Local dentist and long-time Athenian Dr. Joe Mike Murphy addressed the crowd about his father Joe Murphy, who was a coach, and then a principal, for more than 20 years at Intermediate.
“When my father was here, it was the junior high school,” Murphy said. “Most people said my mom ran the school, because she was his secretary for most of those years.”
Murphy told some stories about his father when he was coach, and then said that once he became principal, it was all about the kids.
“He didn’t know much about curriculum,” he said. “He believed teachers knew and were trained how to teach their students, and he let them do that. He was here every day, long before students were, and he left late after they did.”
Murphy said he was always good during the summer because his dad always brought home his paddle for the summer.
“I didn’t act up very much during the summer, because I know how well he could use that paddle. I didn’t want him to use it on me.”
After the ribbon-cutting, the staff gave people a tour of the new wing, while some took pictures of the event.
“I am so excited about this day,” Hayes said. “It’s always good when you can fulfill a need at a campus, and now they will have plenty of room for a while.”
