District representatives join Cornelius officials in moving the first shovelfuls of dirt for the new school.

Free Orchards Elementary School celebrated its official groundbreaking Friday, May 11, 2007, at the school site at South 26th Street and South Beech Street in Cornelius. The audience included neighbors, current and former city officials, teachers, District representatives, and school board members Carolyn Ortman, Rebecca Lantz, and Patti McLeod.

Superintendent Jeremy Lyon opened the ceremony. Board Chair Carolyn Ortman spoke to the crowd and outlined how the school would be situated on the property.

Cornelius Mayor Bill Bash spoke to the group about what a difference the school would make to the community. Pattie Wiemer, planning principal for the new school, spoke about the school as well.

Music for the event was provided by the McKinney choir, which sang the Pledge of Allegiance, "Amigos", and "We'll Sing in the Sunshine".

The new school, scheduled to open in the fall of 2008, is funded through a bond approved by voters in last fall's election.

Superintendent Jeremy Lyon opens the ceremony.
Cornelius Mayor Bill Bash speaks about how important the school is for the community.	Principal Patti Wiemer talks about the impact the school will have on the students in Cornelius.
The McKinney Elementary School choir performs "We'll Sing in the Sunshine".
Carolyn Ortman, chair of the Hillsboro School District Board of Directors, explains how the school will be sited on the property.
Board member Rebecca Lantz thanks the people involved in helping make the school a reality.	Former Cornelius Mayor and former HSD administrator Ralph Brown, right, attended the ceremony.
The McKinney Choir takes a turn with the shovels.
Guests at the ceremony look over the school's site plans.	Superintendent Jeremy Lyon tries out the heavy machinery.