Rutherford County Schools and the David Youree Elementary School community celebrated a new addition to the school on May 15.

Administrators, teachers, parents, students and elected officials cut the ribbon on a new outdoor metal awning on the special education wing that will provide shelter for those students when entering and exiting the school bus.

"We appreciate everybody who was involved with getting this awning constructed," Principal Steve Luke said.

The need for the awning was championed by County Commission Brad Turner, who has a child at David Youree Elementary School. He approached Director of Schools Don Odom and Assistant Superintendent for Engineering Gary Clardy about the possibility of constructing the structure. Clardy was able to incorporate the awning into the district's capital project plan.

Turner said he appreciated the district's effort to ensure the student's had the much-needed shelter.

"It's a real credit to Mr. Odom, Mr. Clardy and all the School Board," Turner said. "Ultimately, if we can't take care of these children, then we have a problem."