Cape Hatteras Secondary School (CHSS) hosted a special ceremony on Friday, March 15 to celebrate the re-opening of its newly constructed pier.
The new pier will allow the school to resume its hands-on coastal studies programs and camps after the original wooden structure was destroyed during Hurricane Dorian in 2019.
The pier, constructed by Endurance Marine Construction, features durable concrete panels designed to withstand coastal elements. Situated on the Pamlico Sound, the location offers students the opportunity to research and contribute to the sustainability of the rich resources of the Albemarle-Pamlico estuarine system. Through these marine science programs, students gain hands-on learning experiences and develop an appreciation for the unique coastal environment and wildlife in their own backyard.
During the re-opening ceremony, CHSS Principal Beth Rooks stated, “CHSS wishes to express our sincere gratitude for everyone’s help and support in providing the newly rebuilt pier, initially dedicated in honor of Kenneth Oden by the Oden Family. Our newly reconstructed pier offers an incredible opportunity for our students to continue their research and learn about the sustainability of the Pamlico Sound. We genuinely appreciate Endurance Marine’s hard work and dedication to making this project successful. We appreciate the support of our district and its commitment to helping us rebuild our pier and once again provide a safe space for students to learn more about our sound’s ecosystem.”
During the ceremony, Ian Adams, Director of Facilities for Dare County Schools, also expressed gratitude to Dave Swanner and his team from Endurance Marine Construction for their craftsmanship and generosity, noting that the company provided a reduced rate on labor costs.
Dare County Schools and Cape Hatteras Secondary School gratefully acknowledge the support from the community and the Hatteras Island Youth Foundation for their contributions toward this project.
