ATHENS, Ohio (WSAZ) - Cheers of celebration could be heard throughout Athens on Friday afternoon as ground broke on a brand-new high school.

The ceremony took place at Athens High School in Joe Burrow Stadium with students, teachers, and school officials all present.

The featured speakers included school officials, as well as Gov. Mike DeWine.

“Kids only have one chance to be educated. They only have one chance to grow up,” DeWine said. “So, it’s very important that we focus on those things that we know really matter.”

The project has an estimated cost of $69 million and is expected to be completed in Fall 2027.

The current high school is set to be demolished and will be turned into additional parking. There are also plans to have a multi-use field.

On top of the new parking lot and

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