ECHS New Vocational Wing Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Lannie Deweese cuts the ribbon to the new vocational wing at ECHS named in his honor.

Madison Doyle, story and photos:
Today at Edmonson County High School, the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new addition to ECHS, the Deweese Vocational Wing, named after Lannie Deweese.

The ceremony began with FFA President Konner Hardin leading the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Senior Cecilia Spainhoward giving a welcoming speech. She also noted that during the start of her freshman year, she knew she wanted to be in the medical field, but never dreamed that by the time she was a senior, she would be given the opportunities that she now has been given due to this new addition of ECHS.

Konner Hardin leads in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Senior Cecilia Spainhoward gives a welcoming speech.

ECHS Principal Jonathan Williams said the goal of this project is to create an opportunity for kids to graduate high school and immediately join the work force with a sustainable wage for their families.

"That's our whole goal with this," Williams said. "And now, that goal is very attainable."

Williams also thanked everyone who came out in support, and thanked those who had a hand in helping the project become a reality. He then welcomed State Representative Michael Lee Meredith to the stand.

Meredith said that as a person who graduated from ECHS, he can say there has always been great teachers and vocational programs in Edmonson County.

"A long time ago there were great teachers in the school. Now not only do these students have great teachers, but they have great resources that we didn't have back then. You take those two things and put them together, it will create successful young people," said the Representative.

ECHS Principal Jonathan Williams speaks.

State Representative Michael Lee Meredith.

Superintendent Brian Alexander then spoke. He thanked a long list of people who had specific roles in getting this project done. He gave a huge thanks to Edmonson County Schools Director of Safety Callie Beliles and Representative Meredith, who he both said "went to bat for us."

Mr. Alexander then dedicated the new wing to Lannie Deweese, Director of Transportation for Edmonson County Schools.

"I would not be standing here today without this man," said Mr. Alexander. "He cares about this county and our schools, and he has for a long time. That's been shown even more prominently to me in the last 5 years. We want to dedicate this wing to him, and this will be named The Deweese Vocational Wing."

Superintendent Brian Alexander.

Lannie Deweese with his grandchildren.

The Program was concluded by Chamber President Darren Doyle who thanked the high school for giving students not only educational opportunities, but for career opportunities straight out of high school. The chamber then celebrated with a ribbon cutting.