Community welcomes Cane Ridge High School

SUZANNE NORMAND BLACKWOOD (Tennessean) • July 30, 2008 Andrew Gregorio is used to singing at school functions. But when he got to sing the national anthem at the ribbon cutting ceremony for his own high school, the opportunity took on a whole new meaning. Andrew, who plans to sing in the Cane Ridge High School choir and participate in theater, said it was also the first time he has sung at a function in which Mayor Karl Dean was present. Dashawn Hillard, another Cane Ridge High School student, was there to give people tours of the new building. He said it gave him a chance to learn the layout of his school and talk to others about its features.“Today was a fun experience, because I’m going to be going here,” he said. The new 314,000 square-foot Cane Ridge High School features small learning communities, or thematic academies, which function like colleges within a university.The academies are Business Management and Marketing, Architecture and Construction and Human Resources and Law Enforcement. The $47.6 million school also features a media center with cyber café and WiFi; an outdoor patio for dining; a dining room; an art wing with an outdoor sculpture court; a bell tower with clock; a 600-seat auditorium; a gym and auxiliary gym; a football field, track and field house; baseball, softball and soccer fields; a marching band practice field; and tennis courts.