SHORT GAP, W.Va. — Students at Frankfort Elementary erupted in cheers as their state’s governor made a surprise visit to the new school’s gymnasium Thursday, bringing his famed English bulldog Babydog along for the ride.
And, Gov. Jim Justice came with good news, presenting students with a $100,000 check for playground equipment.
While the nearly $29 million school has all the bells and whistles, one thing that was missing was a playground for students to enjoy during recess.
“Babydog and I had the pleasure of exploring your new school, and it’s got everything you need,” the governor said. “But one thing is still missing — a playground. Today, we’re making sure that you get that playground, and we brought $100,000 for it to happen.
Frankfort Elementary opened its doors in August, drawing more than 700 students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade from Fort Ashby Primary, Wiley Ford Primary and Frankfort Intermediate schools.
“This school is absolutely incredible,” Justice said. “As Rockets, you represent the very best of West Virginia, and if I can offer one piece of advice, it’s to always aim for the stars.”
“Governor Justice has helped to improve education and infrastructure,” Mineral County Schools Superintendent Troy Ravenscroft told students and staff gathered in the gym.
“He knows how important school is,” Frankfort Elementary School Principal TJ Connor said. “He loves West Virginia just like us.”
Connor said Justice played a “huge role” in the construction of the school, approving the final $25 million as a member of the School Building Authority that was needed to ensure its completion.
Connor presented the governor with a bill from the students’ “token economy system” so he could buy a birthday gift for Babydog from the school store.
She then handed him a gift bag full of treats and toys for his near-constant companion’s fifth birthday, which was Tuesday.
“Babydog loves you more than you can ever imagine,” Justice told the students.
The governor presented an oversized check to three students to cover costs for the playground.
A community fundraising campaign for the equipment had been underway for several weeks.
The 82,080 square-foot Frankfort Elementary features a STEM lab and multimedia center, gearing students toward potential future interests in science and technology.
Justice also met with students at nearby Frankfort Middle School.