For decades, Koffman Drive was home to Hopkinsville Middle School — its signature orange and black fittingly adorning its halls and facets.
Thursday afternoon, however, more than 100 faculty, staff, administration and community supporters gathered for an official, emotional ribbon cutting of what is now Indian Hills Elementary School — the Chiefs and their red and yellow emblazoned in a complete refitting and re-branding of the location.
Principal Sarah Johnson, fighting back tears, said she was at first hesitant about the volume and magnitude of the move from Blane Drive to the neighborhood of Hopkinsville High School — especially as the summer months first arrived.
But the buy-in and belief from her staff, and the leadership of Christian County Public Schools, made the change a welcome one.
The memory of Sandy McGinnis — a beloved CCPS and Indian Hills educator from 1980 until her untimely 2002 traffic death in Trigg County — only made it more galvanizing.
Johnson later noted to the News Edge that while there has been some public negativity of the district’s reshuffle, the ultimate goal has been a focus on student learning and achievement.
Not only does the former middle school have room for Indian Hills growth, but other unique opportunities are forming on the horizon.
Assistant Superintendent Jessica Addison lauded Johnson, her staff and CCPS officials for a remarkable three-month turnaround — one that required full attention and little time for breaks.
One of many involved with its daily preparation this summer, CCPS Consolidation Coordinator Kevin Crider noted the move, at first, felt daunting.
CCPS Superintendent Chris Bentzel called it “a great day,” in which it takes a great leader, and a great staff following a great leader, to bring a vision into reality.
And that nothing about this came lightly.
When introduced, Indian Hills Assistant Principal Matthew Francies received a standing ovation for his summertime support and commitment to the relocation.
The evening closed with parents and children arriving for open house.
