Members of the AC Flora JROTC enjoy goodies at the Christmas reception.

The AC Flora library was full of shimmering lights and festive music on Thursday night, December 15. However, the dismal weather kept all but a small crowd of community members away from the school’s Christmas reception.

The reception was held as a way to thank the neighborhood for its patience as the school undergoes reconstruction. According to Principal Kathie Greer, neighbors have complained of students parking on their property and walking in their yards. The reception gave the school an opportunity to touch base with its neighbors and let them know the school’s plans for construction.

Among those who attended was Emilie Guignard, whose house borders on Flora property. As a member of AC Flora’s first graduating class, she remembers when it had only two school buildings. She has seen its campus grow and transform into a sprawling high school over the years and is interested in its current changes. She and other community members were shown drawings of the new school as administrators discussed construction plans.

Despite the small crowds, Greer plans to make the Christmas reception an annual event. She also hopes to hold a similar reception later in the year.