Plew Elementary School marked a new chapter in its history with the opening of a new cafetorium building Thursday morning, giving students their first-ever stage and a space large enough to accommodate the entire school population.
- The ribbon-cutting ceremony at 220 Pine Avenue began at 9 a.m., showcasing improvements funded by the voter-approved Half-Cent Sales Tax, including a new music classroom with state-of-the-art technology and a covered bus ramp.
“We can now meet together with our entire school in this beautiful cafetorium. We couldn’t all fit in our previous cafeteria,” said Assistant Principal Heather Phillips. “This is our very first stage and I do love a stage!”
The facility features the school’s first trophy case and a kitchen that Phillips described as “the biggest we’ve ever seen at a school.” The improvements also include bulletin boards throughout the building and a covered bus ramp for student safety during inclement weather.
- Phillips emphasized the building’s role in the school community, noting upcoming events including PLA Bingo and STEM night. The class of 2025 will be the first to hold their graduation ceremony in the new space.
School Board Member Brett Hinely supported the project by funding a picnic area for the school.
The ceremony included performances by the Plew Violin Club and remarks from Principal Tammy Matz and Superintendent Marcus Chambers, followed by refreshments and tours of the new facility.
“Thank you to everyone involved in making this project a reality,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “We are thrilled to see our schools grow and improve for the benefit of our students and staff. A special thank you to the voters of Okaloosa County for approving the Half-Cent Sales Tax, which made this project possible.”
Built in 1968, Plew Elementary School has served the Niceville community for 57 years. Construction partners Jacobs Titan and Lord and Sons managed the project’s details.
