Groundbreaking

It's official! Today was the  groundbreaking for the building of our new school campus out in Techno Valley, a newer part of town about 30 minutes from where we are currently located. We aren't relocating until August 2011, but all the same it was an exciting day just knowing that what we've been dreaming about will become reality (picture is of projected new school). This afternoon the school decided to put together a groundbreaking ceremony. I, along with most of the staff, was skeptical about the notion of busing 800 people out to an empty hill where everyone will freeze for an hour while some higher-ups talk about the history of TCIS and what the move will mean for our school. I am happy to say that I was mistaken! The event was great. Yes, we did freeze, but getting everyone out to the site was much smoother than I thought it would be; and it was really nice to have everyone in the community together for the big event.

Before the ceremony, no one really knew what to expect. It was funny to clarify with the students that we weren't moving into the school so they didn't need to bring all their belongings, and no, we don't need to bring a shovel. hehe. I was expecting lots of TCIS banners, but it turned out to be much more than that. There were inflatable banners, banners flying high in the sky, tons of flowers sent as gifts, a stage with lots of cameras projecting the podium, and many honorable guests including the mayor of Daejeon, city council members, board members, presidents of various international schools, and even Korea's equivilent of the Vice-President. Only an Obama visit (hey, he was in Korea today!) could have made a more distinguished guest list. After a short opening prayer and a welcome from Dr. Penland, each of the guests, as well as student body co-presidents, gave 2 min. speeches stating their congratulations and gratitude. After the speeches, all of the administrators grabbed gold shovels to "break ground," and as they did confetti shot into the air! After that admin went to the "button=pushing ceremony." That had us all confused. What does the button do? No one was expecting the spectacle when they pushed the button. There were fireworks and more confetti and colored smoke and hundreds of balloons released. It was actually pretty cool! Plus, they gave all the students and staff snack packs on the way home complete with an orange, cookies, M&Ms, and a brownie! It was quite an afternoon. And in 16 months when we all return to that place there will be a wonderful new TCIS in place of the windy empty hill. Yay!