After voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 1967 and 2025 on April 5, 2022, the new Wright City High School building is set to open its doors to students and staff on Jan. 7. 

The R-II district hosted a ribbon cutting and open house for the public to take a tour of their new facilities on Dec. 21. The ceremony started out with speeches from Superintendent Dr. Amy Salvo, Board of Education President Austin Jones and Wright City High School Principal Matt Brooks. 

Shortly after, Salvo cut the long blue ribbon to signify a new era in the district, while crowds of people walked into the building to see it for the first time. 

The high school will be occupied by students on the first day of the second semester on Jan. 7

Salvo opened up her speech by thanking everyone for joining in on their celebration. She added that everyone’s help ranging from the community, the board of education, props committee and district leadership has made their plan a reality. 

“To our students, this is your space to dream big, work hard and achieve greatness. To our staff, this is a place for collaboration, inspiration and shaping the leaders of tomorrow. To our community, this is a testament to what we can accomplish when we come together with a shared vision and purpose,” Salvo said. 

Salvo ended her speech by stating,” As we cut this ribbon, we’re not just opening a building –- we’re opening the doors of the future for our students’ success.”  

Jones gave his thanks as well, honoring every individual, past or present, that has put the students and staff of the district first. 

“This building represents more than just bricks and mortar. It is a symbol of our community’s commitment to education, innovation and the future of every student who will walk through these doors,” Jones said. 

“Wright City, you have a great building for the great teachers, great staff, patrons and most importantly, the great students of the district. This is your building. Hail to thee Wright City High School,” Brooks said. 

Numerous people ranging from Wright City Middle School students to Wright City alumni were able to take a look inside the building. 

One high school student, sophomore Benji Rodriguez, named many aspects of the new building he is looking forward to. 

“I love the cafeteria personally because you get a great view over the football field. I also love the football field. I can’t wait to play on it,” Rodriguez said, “I think out of all of the classrooms, the science rooms are my favorite because they’re big and I love science. I like the library too.” 

Sophomores Morgan Nute and Matthew Johnston both agreed the new building was an advancement from the old school. 

Nute also named the cafeteria as a feature of the new school she was most excited to see due to it being a lot bigger and overall, nicer. She also added as a member of the golf team, the new location will be closer to their practices at Innsbrook. 

Johnston, who is also a cross country runner, is excited for the exterior of the school. 

“I think we’ll be able to practice a little more and maybe even host a meet next year. I was wanting to try one at the old high school, but now that we have this much space, it’s not completely out of the picture,” Johnston said.