School District Completes Cherokee High Athletic Upgrades

Staff Report

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday celebrated the completion of the Cherokee High School athletic complex upgrades with a presentation by the school and its student athletes.

“It is a masterpiece of function, safety and design,” Principal Debra Murdock said of the recently completed project, who in her remarks thanked the board, Superintendent Dr. Frank Petruzielo and his staff and the community. “We thank the voters for their support of our school and our school system by approving the 2011 Education SPLOST [Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax] renewal.”

The upgrades, which were funded by Education SPLOST revenue, included construction of a new softball complex; improvements to the football stadium and field; and construction of new home and visitor field houses, public restrooms and concession stands.

The school’s video production program produced a video showcasing the project that was presented to the School Board and is included in the video record of the meeting. It features interviews with Murdock and student athletes, who spoke about how the upgrades will improve their performance and safety.

Board members on Thursday also approved the renewal of the School District’s Partnership Agreement with Northside Hospital-Cherokee.

The existing longtime agreement was expanded to reflect the many new ways the hospital is supporting the district, not only through staff members volunteering their time and talents to educate students about health and wellness and prepare them for careers in the field, but also the significant financial support awarded by the hospital.

The hospital’s financial support includes, but is not limited to, sponsorship of: the ImPACT Concussion Management Program for student athletes; the Scholars Banquet recognizing valedictorians and salutatorians; the Teacher of the Year banquet; the Technology Fair student competition; and the newly established Cherokee County School District Senior Bowl football game.

The hospital additionally provides donations to individual schools of clinic supplies, AEDs and other healthcare-related necessities; and is the 2014-15 title sponsor of the Cherokee County Educational Foundation, which raises funds and awareness for the School District.

“We deeply appreciate this continued support of one of our greatest partners,” Petruzielo said. “Northside Hospital-Cherokee shares our mission of ensuring every child receives an outstanding education that prepares them for success in higher education and careers and student health and safety is vital to that success!”