Kane School District hosted a dedication, ribbon cutting and open house for the new Kanab Elementary School on Monday, August 7, at 6 p.m. Located at 1357 South Vermillion Drive in the Ranchos, the school’s opening is the culmination of years of effort by the school district to provide a modern facility for a growing community.
From left to right, photos by Don Jennings:
The new Kanab Elementary School west entrance.
Kane School Board Vice President Lisa Livingston cuts the ribbon at the new Kanab Elementary School dedication on August 7, 2023.
The sky was a clear dark blue and the sun poured through the tall foyer windows as hundreds of families, friends and supporters entered the building. Most gathered in the lobby, where high ceilings and bright lighting highlighted a small podium and backdrop set up against the east wall. Dozens of others walked through the halls, lunchroom and library, starting their tours early while waiting for the dedication event.
At 6 p.m. school board president Danny Little picked up the microphone to welcome the attendees. He thanked those in the audience, including board and community members, as well as the construction, finish and landscaping crews who have been working hard to have the school ready for a fall opening. “We’re grateful to have you all here,” he told the crowd, adding, “This has definitely been a long time coming.”
Will Leonard, pastor of Calvary Chapel in Kanab, offered an invocation. Kanab Stake Patriarch Bob Johnson offered a dedicatory prayer as well, after which Lisa Livingston, the school board vice president, stepped up to cut the ribbon. Enthusiastic applause and excited cheers accompanied the cutting.
After the dedication and ribbon cutting the crowd dispersed throughout the school for self-guided tours. The library, cafeteria and gymnasium were of particular interest, with kids darting here and there, pulling parents by the hands to check out the new facility. The excitement and pride were palpable.
Asked about his favorite part of the new school, eight-year-old Spencer Bailey, who’s going into the third grade this year, said he likes the new cafeteria. Asked why, he said, “It looks just like the high school basketball court!”
Kanab’s new elementary school is a beautiful facility, soon to be filled with dedicated teachers and excited students, that the entire community can be proud of.
