RICHWOOD, W.Va. (WSAZ) - For the first time in nine years, Nicholas County school students in Richwood have a new home to learn and grow -- leaving Richwood Middle School Principal and alumnus Gene Collins emotional.

“This is a celebration,” Collins said.

After the 2016 floods, the superintendent said Richwood Middle and High School was a total loss, leading Nicholas County Schools to adapt, plan and rebuild.

This resulted in students being in pods for almost a decade.

“Pods were difficult at times. It was a disastrous time, and it kinda comes full circle now that we’re back in Richwood and were excited to be back,” Richwood High Principal Scott Williams said.

“What we went through in the flood of 2016 was unreal,” Collins said.

But now, the $45 million Richwood Academic Complex is o

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