Friday marked the first day of classes ever at Jefferson Davis High School. Gone were the Bassfield High composites and black and gold halls, replaced with a fresh coat of blue and grey paint. Also getting a makeover was the gym, which now displays a Jaguar at center court and blue trim around the building.

The high school is made up of students from Prentiss and Bassfield, after the consolidation of Prentiss High School and Bassfield High School earlier this year.

“I’m feeling great, said JDCHS Principal Will Wheat. I’m excited, ready to start and glad it’s here.

“Obviously we have new colors and a new mascot, but there are tons of other renovations going on. New bathrooms and new computer labs to name a few. A lot of things to be excited about.

We will start a little bit later than normal. Start time is around 8:15. Students will be dismissed at 3:35.”

Also changing is the schedule. The school is now on a block schedule. This means students will be in 90 minute classes as opposed to 50. Students will only go to four classes a day and will change subjects at the end of the semester.

Approximately 420 students started Friday. “We are 100% staffed, everyone is hired, and we are looking forward to a great year,” said Wheat.

The first ever home sporting event was held Tuesday. The girls had a volleyball game against East Marion.

“This is a long time coming, said JDC Superintendent Will Russell. It is finally here. It has been a challenge and a difficult process.

“And to sum it all up, we have gone through the valley and we are finally at the foot of the mountain. If we execute the strategic plan we have put in place, then the only place now to go is up.

“It is going to take everyone to work together to make that happen. My challenge to the kids is that they have to meet us halfway. They have to take ownership and take responsibility of what they have to do. The sky’s the limit.”