Past, present, and future generations gathered in a drove Friday morning on Fort Campbell Boulevard, in order to celebrate the long-awaited groundbreaking for the new Christian County High School and its soon-to-be Tigers.
Expected to be completed prior to the start of the 2026-27 school year, Friday’s message to the public was consistent.
Students first.
Amy Watson, emcee for the turnout, spoke not on the behalf of her television journalism career, but on the behalf of Christian County parents and grandparents — who will get to experience this academy model.
Reverend M.O. Fort offered invocation, words of unity, and faith for Hopkinsville and Christian County.
Chris Bentzel, Christian County Public Schools superintendent, noted the new school wasn’t historic for its financial reasons — reasons that include the lack of raised taxes and the decision to avoid and wait out more than $90 million in price inflation.
It’s historic, to him, for a more personal reason.
Furthermore, Bentzel said students are going to be afforded even more opportunities — more than what’s currently at their fingertips.
Tom Bell, CCPS board chairman, said the community — regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic background — deserved the same education experiences.
Experiences that can be provided with a consolidated high school.
And prior to his visit to Cadiz and Trigg County, Governor Andy Beshear was in Hopkinsville for this groundbreaking — one that he said would only turn important eyes from economic and industrial circles toward Christian County.
He pointed toward Ascend Elements, Oak Grove Racing & Gaming, and Legacy Metals as key recent developments for the Pennyrile region.
Several students from both Hopkinsville and Christian County schools were on hand for turning dirt. And less than 10 minutes after the celebration ended, all of the construction equipment started and started moving on the property.
GALLERY: [GALLERY] CCPS Officials Break Ground On Consolidated High School | WKDZ Radio
