On the beautiful morning of Wednesday, February 5, 2025, the Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Coffee County School System, hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter for West Green Elementary School.
Chelsea Preston Graham, Member Relations Director at the Chamber of Commerce, warmly welcomed attendees and opened the ceremony before passing the floor to Superintendent, Dr. Morris Leis. Dr. Leis captivated the audience with a fascinating history of the West Green community—how it was founded, how it received its name, and the origins of West Green Elementary’s beloved mascot, inspired by the Creek Indians who settled in the area centuries ago.
Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Facilities Lee Mobley provided the invocation, offering a heartfelt blessing over the new facility. He expressed hopes that the new school would continue to be a safe and inspiring place for learning and growth and that the Coffee County School System’s mission and vision would thrive within its walls. He also prayed that West Green Elementary would always embody kindness, respect, and community spirit.
Chairman of the Coffee County School Board Bryan Preston extended his gratitude to all those who made this project possible, highlighting key contributors such as Jesse Jowers, Vice-Chairman of the School Board, for his advocacy; Charles E. Lewis Construction; Keith Barrett with Altman and Barrett Architects; Sid Cottingham, School System Attorney; and Michael Spikes, CCSS Director of Maintenance. He also acknowledged the unwavering support of local voters, emphasizing that without ESPLOST funding, projects like this—critical to the well-being and education of Coffee County students—would not be possible.
Vice Chairman Jesse Jowers, representing District 2 and the West Green community, shared his heartfelt appreciation for all those who worked together to bring this vision to life. He recognized the collective effort and dedication that made this milestone a reality and thanked local voters for their support in ensuring ESPLOST funding could bring the new campus to fruition.
West Green Elementary School Principal Amy Vining delivered a moving speech on what this new chapter signifies for students, educators, and the community. She gave special recognition to Jesse Jowers for his steadfast commitment and support. Mrs. Vining remarked, “We know our students deserve a school that empowers their potential, nurtures their growth, and supports them in every step of their academic journey. The new West Green Elementary School will be a place where curiosity is sparked, and every student has the opportunity to excel. And as Warriors, our students will embody the pride, strength, and determination of a mascot that represents resilience, leadership, and the courage to face challenges head-on. As we put shovels in the ground today, we are planting seeds of hope for the future. We are building not just classrooms, but a community of learners who will go on to make a difference in the world.”
Following the heartfelt remarks, those who played integral roles in the planning and preparation of the new campus gathered with shovels in hand, officially marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for West Green Elementary School and its surrounding community.
The new West Green Elementary School will be located just around the corner from its current site at 9362 Broxton-West Green Highway in West Green. The community eagerly anticipates the completion of this state-of-the-art facility, which will continue to foster a strong educational foundation for generations to come.