PONCA, NE (KTIV) -- -
One of the most exciting times of the year is the days leading up to the first day of school.
But imagine walking into a brand new school.
One Siouxland town is showing off its community pride by putting their money where their spirit lies.
For Ponca students, there is a reason to be anxious counting down the days to the new school year and it's not catching up with old friends.
Patrick Watchorn, senior at Ponca said, "I'm very excited, not only for myself but for my community and for my fellow classmates. For our size of a community, it's kind of a once in a lifetime chance."
That once in a lifetime chance comes right before the start of Patrick's senior year and the completion of a two-and-a-half year project-a brand new school.
Joan Reznicek, Superintendent of Ponca Schools said, "We are very excited to have this building project completed and we are just so proud of the people of Ponca, their financial commitment to the building process and just getting ready for the new school year to begin."
Watchorn, "Everyone is excited to get to watch the first basketball game of the first volleyball game."
Not only is it a brand new school but a new gym, fine arts wing, and a new sports complex all part of phase two of the new school project. Nothing at all like former Ponca students remember it.
The old gym was transformed into the fine arts building.
Reznicek, "The performing arts theatre is just absolutly outstanding that you can take a 1939 gymansium and turn it into just a beautiful theatre."
New locker rooms, a weightroom, and kitchen were built off local donations.
Troy Evans, Ponca Football Coach said, "Alot of stuff in the school has been donated through families and community support around the Ponca community so it's great, they have your back if you need anything."
The new building replaces the old one, orginally built in 1917. A half million dollar grant was used to build this new 72,000 square foot gem.
Washorn added, "You get to watch the first football game on the new field. The little kids are excited because they've never had something this new and the older people are kind of wishing they could use it as well, so, I think everyone is just excited and very glad our community got this."
There were three previous bond attemts that failed to take down the old three story building before finally groundbreaking in April of 2010.
