The Alleghany High School cheerleading squad helps inaugurate the school's new gym as they take the floor to do several routines during freshman orientation last week. Principal Barbara Lyon, guidance counselors Winkie Clifton and Buddy Marion, and Boosters Club President Susan Yarbrough shared information with the incoming freshmen during the orientation, the first event held in the new facility.

Gymatorium now open for use

At long last, Alleghany High School has begun using its new gymnasium. "We're just excited about it being finished and being in it," said AHS Principal Barbara Lyon.

Orkan Architecture of Charlotte, the project architect for the east wing of the high school, did its inspection July 31 and approved the gym for use. Lyon said basketball coaches Tommy McKnight, who leads the boys team, and Brent Long, who directs the girls team, each took a ceremonial first shot at the gym's respective goals.

The approval came just in time for the beginning of the 2002-03 school year, for which classes began Tuesday. Prior to that, AHS' freshman orientation Aug. 1 was the first event held in the new gym.

The opening of the gym had been delayed for more than a year. While the rest of the east wing — including the band room, drama room and other classrooms — opened at the beginning of last school year, the gym remained closed after the floor was damaged due to a water heater leak. The school system delayed replacing the floor, as contractors and their insurance carriers disagreed as to who was responsible for what portion of the damage/replacement cost. That issue is still unresolved, as negotiations continue, and a lawsuit is pending.

Get the rest of this article in this week's issue of the Alleghany News! Back