MEMPHIS, Tenn– It was a day of celebration for parents and community foot soldiers such as Bridget Bradley.
“We just want to release a few balloons in the air, just symbolic and a start of a new thing,” Bradley said.
The new thing behind this celebration of balloons taking flight was the demolition of the old Westhaven Elementary School.
“In a way, it’s sad and in a way we’re so excited because it’s an ending for the old, but a new beginning,” Bradley said.
Westhaven was on the list of school closures, but parents and community members fought hard to convince Shelby County School Board members to build a new 13-million dollar facility.
Claudette Boyd lives nearby and came out to show her support.
“It’s the lifeblood of a community because once your school is not there your community dies,” Boyd said.
Mary Wray was one of the first students ever enrolled at Westhaven.
She returned to school with old pictures, report cards and memories.
“It’s sad, the fact of what’s happening at the school. It was a very good school. I played Jacks many a morning on that porch over there,” Wray said.
Many took pictures, and some even took home brick souvenirs of the old school.
“It’s our kids are going to finally get a great building to be educated in. That’s what is most important. This is for our children,” Bradley said.
It’s a celebration for a new generation of students and former ones like Mary Wray, releasing her balloons and looking forward to returning for a visit when the new Westhaven opens in the 2016 school year.
“If they(school board members) fund it, I’ll be here when they open,” Wray said.