Doors open at CCA

By NICK NARIGON

Clear Creek Amana High School Principal Tom McDonald cuts the ribbon for the new high school building in Tiffin Sunday, Aug. 23. Also pictured are, from left, CCA School Board member Tim Hennes, school board member Kevin Kinney (hidden), school board president Dan Schaapveld, Tiffin Mayor Royce Phillips and Iowa Rep. Dave Jacoby.

The Clear Creek Amana School District started the 2009-2010 school year in grand fashion Wednesday, Aug. 19, by opening the doors to its brand new high school.

CCA Superintendent Dr. Paula Vincent said the first week of school was hectic as usual, but overall the new school has been a success.

An open house was held for the public Sunday, Aug. 23. Well over 100 visitors walked the halls of the new high school, receiving tours from administrators and teachers. The Grand Lodge of Iowa, A.F. and A.M., dedicated a cornerstone with a ceremony and a ribbon cutting ceremony was also held with members of the CCA School Board and other local officials.

Several speakers praised the $17.5 million school building and the work done by the school board, administrators, community members and students to make it happen.

"We will look for opportunities to work together in efforts that will benefit both the school and the community," said Tiffin Mayor Royce Phillips.

Iowa Senator Bob Dvorsky said everyone should be thanked for their efforts, particularly the voters who passed a $25 million bond referendum to build the new high school and North Bend Elementary School in North Liberty. Dvorsky also noted that CCA School Board President Dan Schaapveld deserves recognition.

“I want to single out Dan Schaapveld as someone every district should have as a school board member. He is someone who does everything for the district and for the students, and not for himself,” Dvorsky said.

Schaapveld said the school is for the students and they are the reason everyone was brought together Sunday.

“I want to thank each one of these kids for making this possible. We couldn’t have done it without them,” Schaapveld said.

CCA senior Fritz Bergher, a representative for the student council, said there was a different atmosphere on the first day of school.

“The students have been charged to take responsibility for the new school building and we will take that task to heart,” Bergher said.

UPDATED August 26, 2009 10:32 AM