Published on page 1 Wednesday, August 4, 2004
Joint effort cools Simsboro High
By Nick Todaro Staff Writer
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Elementary physical education students at Simsboro High will have fresh, cool circulating air now because of the combined efforts of the Simsboro Alumni Association and the Lincoln Parish School Board.
Both bodies put together $10,000-$20,000 total to add air conditioners and ductwork to the Multipurpose building at Simsboro High School.
Ron Cathey, president of the alumni association, said the effort is a centennial project that commemorates the 100th graduating class of Simsboro High, which matriculated this year.
"We talked to Tim Nutt, the principal at Simsboro High, and he looked at what the school needed," Cathey said. “He recommended that we look into adding air to the Multipurpose Building." Nutt said the alumni were extremely gracious and worked to gather donations for their half of the $20,000 bill.
“I'm just so pleased that it worked out,” Nutt said. “I know that with the summer heat, especially in August, the kids are going to be thankful for it. They'll feel the difference in there." Cathey said the alumni have undertaken two such projects in the past.
"This is our third big effort for Simsboro High," Cathey said. "We worked with the school on getting lights for the baseball field as well as to renovate the auditorium in the past few years.” The association customarily is responsible for awarding scholarships, but Cathey said when a specific need like this one arises, they are open to helping out. "We did this with the goal in mind of fund-raising from alumni," Cathey said. "We have a great group of past students who are willing to really work to help out."
Cathey was also pleased to mention the up coming Simsboro Alumni Reunion, which will be held Aug.14, will be able to convene in the newly-air-conditioned Multipurpose Building.
"For the past 10 to 14 years, we've had the reunions for the Alumni Association in the Ruston Civic Center," Cathey said. "While we appreciate being able to have them there, we are really happy to be able to move it back to the school.”
Alumnus Danny Bell said he feels the addition of cool Air to the building will make reunions that much better.
"When I went to school there, it was one teacher per grade level," Bell said. “You come to know those groups of students extremely well when you go through a school that teaches grades K-12. Being able to meet back up with them on the campus is something we needed to do."
