Cheers of "Go Raiders!" echoed across the new Middleton-Burney Elementary School campus on Thursday, July 9, as students, families, educators, and community leaders gathered to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of the district's newest elementary school.
The ceremony marked more than the opening of a new building, it celebrated an investment in the future of the students and families of South Putnam, who will soon fill the classrooms, hallways, and playgrounds of the beautiful new campus.
The ceremony began with an invocation by School Board Member Sandra Gilyard, who reflected on the close connection between the school and the community while offering prayers and blessings for the students, teachers, staff, and families who will soon begin a new chapter within its walls.
Superintendent Rick Surrency thanked the taxpayers and community for their support in making the project possible, noting that Middleton-Burney Elementary School is one of several investments designed to provide students with outstanding learning environments and opportunities for success.
Crescent City Mayor Michele Myers spoke directly to the students gathered behind the ceremonial ribbon, encouraging them to take pride in their new school and reminding them that the campus was built with their future in mind.
School Board Chair Phil Leary shared his excitement for the students and the South Putnam community, celebrating the opportunities the new school will provide for generations of Raider learners.
James Marini, Senior Project Executive with Ajax Building Company, also addressed those in attendance. A proud Product of Putnam, Marini shared how meaningful it has been to help build schools in the community that helped shape his own future. He expressed his pride in helping deliver a school that will serve Putnam County students for generations to come.
For Principal Yolanda Brady, the day was especially meaningful. A proud Product of Putnam herself, Brady reflected on the incredible opportunity to lead the very community that helped shape her. She expressed her gratitude to everyone who made the project possible and shared her excitement for the students and staff who will begin the school year in a modern learning environment designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and success.
The ceremony concluded with one of the morning's most memorable moments as students joined Principal Yolanda Brady, Assistant Principals Tina Gilyard and Ashley Hoare, Superintendent Surrency, School Board members, elected officials, and community partners in cutting the ceremonial ribbon. As the ribbon fell, cheers filled the air, officially opening a school that will serve generations of Putnam County children.
Following the ceremony, guests were invited inside to tour the new campus while enjoying refreshments provided by Ajax Building Company.
While the building itself is impressive, the true purpose of Middleton-Burney Elementary School extends far beyond bricks and mortar. Every classroom, collaborative space, and learning area was created with one goal in mind: providing students with a safe, engaging, and inspiring place to learn, grow, and thrive.
The celebration continues on Thursday, July 16, when Middleton-Burney Elementary will host a Community & Family Open House from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The free event is open to current families, future Raider families, former students, alumni, and all community members. Guests are invited to tour the new campus, explore classrooms and learning spaces, reconnect with friends and neighbors, and celebrate this exciting milestone for the South Putnam community. Food trucks and Kona Ice will be on site with food and refreshments available for purchase.
As the district prepares to welcome students for the upcoming school year, Middleton-Burney Elementary School is also continuing to fill positions for its inaugural staff. Those interested in joining the Raider family are encouraged to explore current career opportunities with Putnam County School District and apply online: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/employment.
The opening of Middleton-Burney Elementary School represents more than the completion of a construction project, it reflects Putnam County School District's continued commitment to Shaping the Future by investing in the students, educators, and communities it proudly serves.
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