New school moves Aplington-Parkersburg recovery another step ahead

A brand new high school welcomed students back to class in Aplington-Parkersburg Monday.

The $19 million facility features two gyms, a commons area, an auditorium and room to grow.

For students and staff at A-P, Monday was more than a celebration of the new school. It was about coming home.

Fifteen months ago, the high school was in shambles after an EF-5 tornado tore through Parkersburg. Students were moved to the middle school Aplington as construction crews worked on a new high school.

A-P students said they're thrilled to be in a new school they say they didn't expect to be this big. This year's senior class is especially grateful to know they're back home for their last year.

"It's pretty cool having a new school. It's huge, so it's exciting," says senior Stanley Tuve.

"I was surprised at how big it was and how nice it looked. I didn't think it was going to be that big inside," says senior Andy Eggers.

"After the tornado, we didn't know what would happen. Then honestly, seeing this school, it's so unbelievable," adds senior Emma Petersen.

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