Monroe Elementary School celebrated the completion of its efforts to raise money for new playground equipment and the installation of that equipment with a ribbon cutting ceremony to kick off the annual field day activities.

Alexandria Community School Corporation Superintendent, Dr. Melissa Brisco, joined the ceremony. Brisco said the students and staff along with community and business donations raised $50,000 to replace the dilapidated playground that originally came from the former Cunningham Elementary School. Brisco said the school corporation provided the additional $100,000 needed to complete the project.

Staff and students at AMES were presented with three options for the new playground. Each voted on the one they would like to see installed.

Sixth grade students watched the ribbon cutting ceremony and were the first to play on the new equipment. Brisco said it was important for the sixth graders because they helped raised the funds, however, they will be moving on to the junior high school next year.