May 11 , 2023 The Beacon • 45

By Jen Jones

May 6 was a bittersweet day for those who attended Keene and Conesville elementaries . This is the last year those schools will be used , and the district held a day of open houses so alumni and residents could walk through the halls one more time before the schools

Jen Jones

Britanie Powers , her husband Cole , and their daughters Brexlee , 4 , and Ellee , 2 , are pictured outside of Keene School . Britanie went to Keene as a child and is a teacher there now . are closed at the end of the school year .

Warsaw Elementary , the junior high and high school also were open to allow students who will transition to those buildings to visit and see their new school . Next year all preschool through secondgraders in the district will be at Warsaw Elementary , third through sixth will be at the junior high and seventh through 12th will be at the high school .

A Black Bear Market also was held at the high school with many vendors displaying their items , food trucks and the River View FFA plant sale . The plant sale included hanging pots , large planters and flats of starter plants .

Those who attended Keene were encouraged to write their name on the wall as they entered the building . Conesville held a book giveaway for many of their library books , and Warsaw had a bounce house .

While many who visited the schools were sad to see them close , laughter could be heard as memories were shared of lifelong friendships , childhood pranks and even the number of steps to the former principal ’ s office at Keene ( 13 ), as

The River View High School Nike Club donated $ 363.50 to Genesis Health- Care System for the Genesis Cancer Care Center . The money was raised by

Nike Club students selling doughnuts and hot chocolate in the high school . The fundraiser was organized by Adara Birkhimer , a junior at River View and

member of the Nike Club , which is a group of female students who support and empower each other .

“ We are grateful for the River View Nike Club ’ s donation that will be used toward patients ’ supplies ,”

said Pebbles Thornton , director of Genesis cancer , palliative medicine and hospice services . “ It is inspiring to see students who care about cancer patients have the initiative and dedication to raise the funds .”

Seasoned Chicken Breast Fillets 6 lb . pkg . ........$ 15.99 ea Chopped Reese ’ s Cups 5 lb . bag ......................................$ 11.99 ea Local Maple Syrup In Stock one gentleman said he traveled those steps often as a student .

Perhaps Keene firstgrade teacher Britanie Powers said it best when

The River View FFA plant sale was held during the Black Bear Market .

We are closed May 18th Ascension Day

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she said , “ It ’ s going to be a very emotional end of school year , but it will be nice to have all of the River View family together . It ’ s very bittersweet .”

Jen Jones

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