MOUNT JOY, Pa. (WHTM) -
The new Donegal High School held a open house on Sunday afternoon, just five months after a fire caused millions of dollars in damage to the school's auxiliary gym.
The fire occurred in March when the school was just six months from completion.
Administrators said they were determined to get the school opened in time for this school year.
"When the fire hit it was just devastating. I was in Chicago, actually, when it happened," said Donegal High School Principal John Felix. "That's when I found out, over the phone. But by Monday, we walked through the building and it was pretty tough. However, there was a pretty firm grasp that we just need to fix what needs to be fixed and replaced what needs to be replaced and we're all gonna have a new school."
The students are eager to begin a new year in the new high school.
"The moments finally here. It's really unbelievable just to see how big the new building is compared to our old building," said Student Council President Matt Crager. "Everything is new and coming in on Tuesday will be a shock to all of us."
The school will be open on Tuesday, however the gym will not be used until October.
