After 50 Years, a New Clarkdale Floods with Hope

Like a phoenix from the ashes, the students, teachers and parents at Clarkdale Elementary are like their own four pet turtles that survived a flood. Not just any flood, but a flood that only comes around every 100 years or so.

The family of Clarkdale Elementary survived the floods of 2009, survived being divided amongst two schools and survived even a few frightening weeks when they weren’t sure they would have a school ever again.

But on Saturday at the campus of their new school, those who are a part of this school community, or ever had been, celebrated Clarkdale's 50-year legacy. Principal Marjorie Bickerstaff cut the red ribbon and opened the doors and the only thing that came rushing in was not floodwaters, but a sea of people with unbreakable spirits and hearts swollen with fulfilled hope.

The rain waited on Saturday until the celebration at Clarkdale Elementary had finished. It knew it was no match for the survivors who had waded, waited and boldly fought for a new school. They knew rain. The precipitation on Saturday was nothing.

When it began to pour, no one ran for the door. No one shuttled along to get home. They knew very well that they already were, finally, home.