Henryville returns to school

HENRYVILLE, Ind. (WISH) - 682.

That’s the locker Erin Hariston stored her books and personal belongings.

It’s a locker she hadn’t seen since March 2. The Henryville High School Alumna saw it for the first time Sunday.

It took her a few minutes to locate the locker she visited everyday, after every class.

“It’s emotional because five months ago this was gone and we were not allowed in here,” Hariston said. “We were not allowed to see anything and you didn't know what was happening.”

Hundreds gathered this afternoon for an open house and rededication ceremony at Henryville High School. With the help of the restoration company, Belfor, this community was able to accomplish what would normally take two years in five months. It was a job some didn't know how they would pull off.

“We have a nasty habit of backing up our promises,” Rob Robbins, who led the five-month project, said. “We really didn't have an option there was no where else to send kids back.

Robbins says Henryville was a great community to work with and work for.

“I’ve got some fond memories here,” he said. “We went from where in the heck is Henryville to I’ve got the answer.”

The trophy cases at the high school are empty but Tuesday the classrooms will be packed.

A tornado won’t keep the Hornets down. Hariston left a few words of wisdom for incoming freshman and sophomore.

“I hope they don’t take it for granted and say I can’t wait to get out of here.

I said that and now I wish I could come back another year. I wish I had one more year to be here,” Hariston said as she fought tears.