Video: EWHS Students Back At Home

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EAST WEBSTER, Miss. (WCBI) – Almost 30 months to the day, students at East Webster High School are returning to class at the site of their old school. For seniors, it’s a chance to return home to where they started their high school careers. For others, it’s a new experience.

A new school is built from the rubble of the April 27, 20-11 tornado.

After more than two years of classes at the old Wood Institute in Mathiston, East Webster students started classes in a new place today[Monday]. And excitement was the word of the day, especially for seniors.

“I mean it’s a whole new facility. I mean the place looks great. I mean it looks like a whole new school. It looks nothing like it did,” said John Taylor Champion, EWHS Student Council.

“Well it’s very exciting its almost like the first day of school again. The kids are all excited, looking for their new classrooms. Its just a real excitement in the air,” said Carolyn Henley, EWHS Teacher.

The students remain grateful of the special time they spent at Wood…but with everything new from the chairs up, they are quick to let you know that these accommodations are much better.

“I’m glad I don’t have to walk all the way around on campus on the old school at Wood Junior. So, I’m enjoying it,” said Sariah Bell, EWHS Student.

“Think its going to be a positive experience for the students. Lot of new things that we didn’t have at Wood Junior that we couldn’t provide. Like for instance we didn’t have a computer lab over there,” said Lavelle McAlpin, EWHS Teacher.

Those new labs are just one part of the state-of-the-art facilities at their disposal. The new school also includes a high-tech domed gym designed to protect students and staff from future storms.

“We had a real tragedy, but we’re blessed many times over from that tragedy to have this wonderful facility right here so we’re excited,” said Henley.

Ironically, the move-in comes during National Tornado Preparedness Week.