Ware County Schools and Waycross Middle School, in conjunction with JCI Contractors, held a groundbreaking ceremony on the WMS campus to celebrate the beginning of construction of the new Waycross Middle School building.
The ceremony featured remarks from community members, students and staff of Waycross Middle School and Ware County Schools, as well as the project’s architect, Doug Neal, and JCI Contractors Vice President Jack Loyd.
Many members of the school’s community were in attendance to celebrate the momentous occasion.
Following the welcome by Jamie Chaney, invocation by School Board Chariman Denton Dial and Pledge of Allegiance by Waycross Middle student Clara Chancey, Superintendent Bert Smith spoke.
He was followed by WMS Principal David Hitt, Architect Doug Neal, Assistant Superintendent Lynn Barber and JCI Vice President Jack Loyd.
“I would normally apologize for that (construction noise in the background), but not today,” said Loyd. “That is the sound of progress.” Construction on the new school should be completed by the start of school in 2026.
This event marks a significant milestone in the school district’s commitment to providing an exceptional educational environment for students.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Waycross Middle School symbolically started construction on October 21, 2024. Pictured (l-r) are Doug Neal, Architect, David Hitt, Principal, Lynn Barber, Assistant Superintendent, Barry Deas, School Board Vice Chair, Bert Smith, Superintendent, School Board Chairman Denton Dial, members Brandi Waters, Toni Nelson, Karen Ethridge, Buster Tyre, and Rusty Ganas, and JCI Vice President Jack Loyd.
