It has been over a half century since Clinton County has seen a new high school constructed, and even then, most of the school building was already almost a decade old, starting as an elementary and middle school.
But the wait for a brand new facility to house grades nine through twelve is just a couple of years away from becoming a reality for upcoming students, parents and the community.
To kick things off, the Clinton County school district will be hosting a “ground breaking” ceremony to mark the initial phase of building a new, state-of-the-art facility at the same location.
The ceremony, which is open to the public, will be held on Monday, May 11, from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. (approximate) at CCHS.
The school district has announced the program line-up for the afternoon, which includes several guest speakers.
The program will begin with a welcome and recognition of speakers and special guests by Clinton County Schools Superintendent Wayne Ackerman.
There will be the presentation of colors and National Anthem by the Clinton County High School JROTC and CCHS Band and rendition of “My Old Kentucky Home” presented by the Clinton County Drama Department Choir   (Shaylee Albertson, Emery Browning, Caroline Cooksey, Jaeli Grant, and Maddie Witham).
Prayer will be led by Mr. David Warinner, former teacher and former long-time Principal at CCHS.
There will be several guest speakers for next week’s ground breaking event, including Board of Education Chairperson Leslie Stockton; Albany Mayor James Bray; Clinton County Judge/Executive Ricky Craig; Clinton Circuit Clerk Jake Staton; State Representative Josh Branscum; State Senator Rick Girdler; Kentucky Department of Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher; and U.S. Congressman James Comer.
Plans were also in the works for the event to be streamed online into the high school to give access to the student body.
(More details on the event can also be accessed on the school district’s web page.)
In the brochure program, a brief look back at Clinton County High School throughout the years include:
“Classes in the first Albany High School began in January 1888. Students paid a monthly tuition in order to help pay off the debt and furnish the building.
“In 1921 a new Albany High School was built in north Albany. It was later renamed the Clinton County High School after the merger of the Albany Independent and Clinton County School Districts and is fondly remembered as “The Old High School.”
“The current Clinton County High School initially was built as an elementary school in 1963 and later additions, including the gymnasium, were completed in 1971-72.”
The first phase of site improvement will begin in a few weeks and continue through the summer months, with actual construction to begin later in the year.
Architects for the project is DECO Architects, with Codell being the Construction Management firm overseeing the work.
The new facility, which would not have been possible without the passage of the “double-nickel” tax a couple of years ago, is expected to be complete by the fall 2028 year.