Community Supports Rebuilding Twin Hills School

By Tara Vreeland, The News On 6

BEGGS, OK -- An Oklahoma school rises from the ashes after a devastating fire.  The Twin Hills community, near Beggs, lost their historic school building back in February. But the community received an outpouring of support from surrounding communities to rebuild the school house.

Robert Pinkston watched as some of his students loaded up into the bus on Monday afternoon. The kids chatter as another school day comes to a close.  But, almost two months ago, the scene from this schoolyard was far different.

Fire tore through the historic school building that stood for 100 years and reduced it to smoldering rubble.

"We were overwhelmed from the word go," said Twin Hills Principal Robert Pinkston.

But, the flames could not destroy the spirit of the small community of Twin Hills.

03/01/3009  Related Story: Twin Hills School Officials Ask For Help After Fire

"Oh man, I'll tell you. We have, we've been amazed," said Twin Hills Principal Robert Pinkston.

The fire was put out and the support poured in. People helped in any way they could.

"It's brought our community together. Not only our community but people in the surrounding areas," said Twin Hills Principal Robert Pinkston.  "It's just mind boggling the support we've gotten from everybody, organizations, churches, businesses."

The latest donation comes from the Muscogee Creek Nation. A donation of $10,000 to the school.

"There is many people involved in Creek Nation that went to school here," said Twin Hills Principal Robert Pinkston.

The money will be used for supplies and technology.

"Creek Nation, they know the importance of education to kids and they saw a great need here at Twin Hills to get this school built back," said Twin Hills Principal Robert Pinkston.

A school which will be built back with plans for it to look identical to the old building. 

"You betcha. It's pretty much going to look just like it.  The architects have designed it.  The construction engineer can build it like it was.  He says he can," said Twin Hills Principal Robert Pinkston.

Pinkston hopes the new schoolhouse will be complete by December 1st.

"When we get through, we're going to have a new, wonderful, beautiful building that this community will be proud of we hope for another 100 years," said Twin Hills Principal Robert Pinkston.

Twin Hills School had to postpone its 100th anniversary celebration because of the fire. It will now be held June 26th.

It's estimated the new building will cost $2.6 million.