Showell Elementary School Celebrated at Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Worcester County School Schools

October 22, 2021

NEW SHOWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CELEBRATED
IN RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY

Newark, MD, October 22, 2021– State and local officials gathered to finally cut the ribbon on the replacement Showell Elementary School today. 

While the new Showell Elementary School officially opened its doors to students in September 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic made today the first available time that officials could safely gather to celebrate the new school. The joy of this delayed celebration wasn’t lost on Showell Elementary School Principal Diane Shorts. 

“We know this day is long overdue, but we appreciate your patience and understanding along this journey,” Shorts said from the podium as she looked out on one of the school’s showstopping features, it’s outdoor amphitheater. “I’m very excited to hold our celebration here in particular today because it is in one of the most exciting and forward-thinking projects of this new school. In a stroke of architectural genius, we are able to open up this beautiful wall of windows to transform our indoor stage to this outdoor amphitheater, where we can showcase our fantastic student performers.”

Following Shorts’ welcome was a presentation of colors from the Stephen Decatur High School JROTC Color Guard and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Showell Elementary School fourth grader Joni Michalski, and a beautiful performance from the third and fourth grade chorus. 

Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor addressed the crowd and expressed his thanks to the elected officials and construction team that brought the Showell Elementary replacement school to vibrant life. 

“We believe that our students and staff need facilities that mirror the workspaces of tomorrow, workspaces that adapt to new and changing standards and technologies,” Taylor said. “As you can see, the new Showell Elementary School truly embodies this kind of learning environment.”

Board of Education President Elena McComas and County Commissioner President Joseph Mitrecic reinforced to the crowd their commitment to ensuring the young people of Worcester County have the facilities and tools necessary to prepare them for their futures.