What a glorious day this is and what an honor it is for Watauga County to have Governor Perdue with us. There are times that mark the character and commitment of a people. This is one of those times for Watauga County.
When I look at this wonderful, new educational facility, I think of Henry David Thoreau who said “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined”.
Our dreams are to provide the best education possible for the young people of Watauga County – to provide them with a learning environment where they can reach their potential.
This building and campus is that type environment. It is designed to operate efficiently and use less of our limited resources, such as water and energy. It is an example of how we as a community can be better stewards of the environment through water recapture, geothermal wells, and day lighting.
We are embracing the 21st Century and this building will be a constant reminder to all who enter it that you do not have to settle for second best or the least expensive way.
We should always ask ourselves - can we do better. That is how this journey began over five years ago and that is how this journey should continue for the life of this building. How can we use this facility to provide better opportunities for our young people?
They are our future and Watauga County should as they said in Star Trek “Boldly go where no one has gone before”.
Our children count on us to open these doors for them. We can compete and succeed in a global economy.
I am reminded of the words of Prime Minister Disraeli of Great Britain who said “Upon the education of the people of this country, the fate of the country depends”.
So it is in America, so it is in North Carolina, and so it is in Watauga County. It has been a privilege for us as Commissioners to have been a part of making this dream come true.
JIM DEAL
CHAIRMAN OF THE WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSSIONERS
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