Laurel County Public Schools Superintendent Denise M. Griebel—a lifelong member of the Bush community and a former Bush School student—welcomed community members, distinguished guests, former classmates, and retired faculty to the newly restored Bush High School gymnasium on the Laurel County Day Treatment campus.
Operating from 1930 to 1970 as one of Laurel County’s original four high schools, Bush High School holds a special place in the community’s history and in the hearts of local residents. The $3 million-plus Laurel County Day Treatment Phase II project beautifully blends the building’s rich history with modern safety and energy improvements.
“Our goal with this project was never simply to renovate an old gym. It was to honor the students, the teachers, the athletes, and the rich traditions that made this place so special,” said Superintendent Denise M. Griebel during her opening remarks. “Thanks to the creativity of Deco Architects and the superb craftsmanship of the trades with Hacker Bros Construction, I believe we have truly achieved that goal.”
Visitors at the Open House stepped back in time as they explored many of the gym’s iconic, preserved features alongside newly added modern amenities. The project prioritized preserving the gym’s authentic character, leaving more than 90% of the original quarried exterior stone intact and carefully cleaned to match the façade. Inside, visitors walked on the stripped and refinished original hardwood floor and sat on the original wooden bleachers, where carved names and initials left by past students remain preserved. Overhead, the scoreboard displayed the Bush High School Blue Devils’ memorable 58–57 victory over rival Hazel Green from 1966.
Along with preserving the historic elements, the project incorporated essential structural and energy updates throughout the building. The facility now features energy-efficient replacement windows designed to mimic the original individual glass panes, bright new LED lighting hanging from the original rafters, an upgraded HVAC system, and a new covered entrance canopy. Additionally, the former stage area and lower floor were repurposed into a new conference room, restrooms, and janitorial space. This area now features a billboard-sized photo mural highlighting Bush High School students, staff, and activities, along with four shatterproof trophy cases filled with authentic memorabilia visible from both the gym and conference room.
A special note of appreciation to everyone who donated items to display in the trophy cases. The display cases honor and celebrate the legacy of Bush High School.
In addition to touring the restored gymnasium, attendees were invited to tour the Laurel County Day Treatment facility guided by Principal Tyler McWhorter, sign a commemorative poster, and gather in the cafeteria for light refreshments to reconnect and share memories.
Laurel County Public Schools is proud to preserve our past while continuing to invest in the future of our students and our community. This renovated facility will continue to serve students and be part of their story as it has for nearly 100 years.
View photos from the Open House