Out with the old, in with the new: former student and retiring teacher reflect on Rich Pond Elementary

WARREN CO., Ky.-Over a century of memories coming to a close but a possibility of new beginnings in the future lies just next door.

Rich Pond Elementary is having its final walk through of their old building. Due to rapid growth, they built a new building right across their land to accommodate their 800 plus students.

“I tell people all the time, we’re building a new facility, but we’ll always keep those rich traditions that keep Rich Pond a special place,” said principal Derick Marr.

Since 1907, generations of people have gone to school here.

Matt Cherry, now 28 years old, was once a student.

“Last time seeing it, it’s kinda like a piece of your childhood…but I’m excited for the future and what it’ll bring to the community. It definitely has the potential to be top tier,” said Cherry.

Cherry says the generation of Rich Pond graduates isn’t stopping with him…his family is expanding.

“My fiancée is actually pregnant with my son…we’re looking forward to sending him to Rich Pond,” said Cherry.

And as new chapters begin, other ones close. Vickie Spires has been a teacher at Rich pond for 26 years. She’s retiring this year, as the building closes its doors for the last time.

“I’m just going out with the old and sad to see the building go down yet we know the legacy is going to live on,” said Spires.

And a piece of the old building will make its way to the new one! Anyone that’s been a student remembers the special hardwood floors in each classroom. They’re removing some of the old hardwood floors and installing them in the new school.

“I remember the hard wood floors…heck I’ve ran on them,” said Cherry.