The Model High Groundbreaking ceremony launched the construction of the new high school in the Shannon community on Thursday, May 14 at 10:00 a.m.  The Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new Model High School had been postponed earlier due to heavy rains in the area.   

The ceremony was a community celebration involving students from the Model area feeder schools, parents and community leaders.  Speakers include: Dr. Glenn White, principal of Model High; Dr. Lynn Plunkett, superintendent of Floyd County Schools; Dr. David Cox, board member representing the Model District; Aaron Carroll, parent of a Model High student; Dr. Bob Puckett, deputy superintendent of Floyd County Schools; and Dr. Nevin Jones, former Model principal and superintendent of Floyd County Schools.  The Model High band and cheerleaders perform before and during the ceremony.  Elementary students were also on hand wearing signs to declare the date of their graduating class at Model High School.

The groundbreaking ceremonially began the $28 million Model High School project approved as part of Education SPLOST III passed by local voters.  The new school will be a two-story, state of the art facility designed to handle the current student enrollment and provide room for growth in the future.  The plans are to open the new school in the fall of 2010.  The new building will be built on the current campus in front of the old school.  Students will attend class in the existing building while construction is underway on the new facility.  When the new school is complete, the existing round buildings will be demolished to make room for additional parking.  Construction is scheduled to begin later this month when the school year is completed for students on May 22.