District officials celebrate opening of track complex
Forrest City School District held a ribbon cutting at noon Tuesday for the district’s new sixlane track complex.
School board president Sandra Taylor spoke briefly at the cutting about how long the district had been fighting for the track.
"I would like to first give honor to God because without him this would not have been possible," said Taylor, telling those who gathered for the ceremony that she had been praying for the district, staff and students.
"Now, I also have to share a bit about my cap,” said Taylor, who was wearing a white cap with the Mustang track logo on it surrounded by the words, “Forrest City Track Team.”
“A long time ago, when we were first trying to get a track, Mr. Chris Quinn was very instrumental," said Taylor, sharing a story of how Quinn gave her the hat, adding that he had the hats made to show support for the team and the district’s effort to build a track.
Taylor said Quinn brought the hat to her because he wanted the students to “be represented.”
Taylor also shared stories of having to watch for the track team training while driving along Crowley's Ridge. "We don't have to dodge you any more," said Taylor.
Taylor praised district superintendent Dr. Tiffany Hardrick for her hard work in seeing the track to fruition.
"I was looking on Facebook and it said, ‘If you throw me to the wolves, I'm going to come back leading the pack,’” said Taylor. "And every time I see that, I think about Dr. Hardrick."
Taylor also recognized deputy superintendent Dr. Zrano Boles. "You're quiet," said Taylor. "But we know you are in there stirring it up."
"Now, you've got to represent," Taylor told students on the district’s track team.
Track coach Donnie Willis thanked Hardrick as well as the school board members for pushing the track to completion.
Willis said he had seen the promise of a track but not a completion of one many times.
"You've got to understand, I have been here 30 something years. I've watched it fail over and over and over again," said Willis. "Finally, we are here. Finally, we have the opportunity for our community to see what our children have been doing for years and years, being successful. Dr. Hardrick, thank you again for all that you do. Because if it had not been for you, this would not have been possible."
Willis fired the starting pistol for the track team and district staff to make the first lap around the track.
Coach Donesha Boyd also shared her excitement for the new facility.
"I have been here for 16 years, and I ran track with Forrest City High School," said Boyd. "It feels good to be able to coach the students and work on things that we never had. We've got the long jump now so we don't have to wait until a track meet to figure out, and the high jump. We can go and get it ready and get it done here. I am excited about it."
"I am ready for the hurdles," said track member Kyla Morrow.
"I am ready for the four by one," said fellow member Janaya Brown of a type of relay track members often run.
"We are so appreciative of those in the past who've tried to enhance our school district," said Taylor. "I am just so proud."
Taylor was one of the board members to complete a lap at the track.
"Once I got out there and saw how it was laid out, it was such a beautiful trip," said Taylor of the lap.
"I am just overwhelmed and so excited," said Willis. "We finally got it finished."
"Our kids deserve it. We send a lot of kids to college and win a lot of state championships and conference championships, so for our own people to see us run, we are excited about what is taking place," said Willis.