Monday at 1:30 p.m., all the students at Shining Mountain Elementary filed into the gym and sat on the floor. They were all wearing T-shirts in school colors announcing their participation in “No Excuses University” a programs that teaches kids to grow up dedicated to going to college after they graduate. Guests and school officials sat in chairs that were provided around the perimeter. The JROTC brought in the colors and the school choir sang the national anthem.After several readings from students in different grades telling the reasons they love their school, the choir sang an original song of thanks for the school to the board and administrators.

Then Superintendent Seigel presented an award to principal Mary Sewright for her work and dedication while the school was relocated last year to the old Spanaway Elementary and back again this year to the remodeled school.

Then Board President John Manning came forward with a few words of encouragement to the students about their education and their new school. Then Communications Director Krista Carlson produced the giant pair of shiny scissors for the ribbon cutting. The kids oohed and awed at the 20 inch scissors. Board President Manning and Board Vice President Brenda Rogers chose two students from the choir to help the hold the scissors and cut the ribbon.

The students then returned to their classes and the adults were invited to the new two-story high library full of light to have some refreshments and view the new school design. The former library was a central open space with no windows and a low ceiling. The remodel also provided a new gym with a music room on the stage, playground equipment in school colors, a new office and entrance area, bright flooring, electronic whiteboards and microphone systems for teaching class.