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Community invited to AME dedication

The entire Anna Maria Elementary School campus is prepared to shine for its May 1 dedication ceremony, with plans calling for guests to be ushered throughout the newly configured site.

The dedication ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the school’s newly refurbished auditorium. Program notes include a number of guest speakers, including Manatee County School Board members Frank Brunner and Harry Kinnan, and Manatee County School District Superintendent Roger Dearing.

AME Principal Kathy Hayes said all students who attend the celebration will be involved in a presentation of familiar song selections.

Following the student presentation, there will be a procession under the covered walkway to the flagpole in front of the school. Hayes said the American flag will be raised for the first time since the old school was demolished. AME student Lindsay Bell has been asked to sing the National Anthem during this part of the event.

Next the group will walk under the clock tower and up to the front entrance of the new two-story building for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Upon entering the new building, guests will be divided into groups, Hayes said, for guided tours of the campus. Fifth-grade students will be tour guides for the evening, pointing out historical points of interest and little known facts, making the tour interesting even for those already familiar with the new school.

All tours will finish in the school cafeteria, where contractor W.G. Mills will host refreshments and music.

"It should be a lovely evening," anticipates Hayes.