Wynne High School reflects on March 2023 tornado

WYNNE, Ark. – As the first anniversary of the March 31, 2023 tornado approaches, the Wynne School District is taking a look back at what students, staff and faculty have had to overcome while also looking ahead to the future.

The City of Wynne was one of the most damaged areas when the tornado touched down but the school district and the people who live there kept their heads up despite all of the challenges and changes.

Residents reeling after tornado topples town in Wynne, Arkansas

The tornado destroyed many businesses, homes and the high school. Superintendent Kenneth Moore said he had a gut feeling to release everyone early from school that day.

“It was just the good Lord giving me the wisdom that day to do it,” Moore said. “I look back and I’m just so thankful that we were able to listen and make that call or we would have had some loss in the high school especially.”

High school junior Michelle Marcado said not only was her school destroyed by the tornado but so was her home.

“In a matter of hours, all of our lives were changed,” Marcado said. “It was the most traumatic thing I have ever seen in my life. My house was completely destroyed. It was a lot to take in at once but like I said our community was so strong after that.”

After a year, the city is rebuilding and the high school transitioned from being at a community college to a temporary campus.

“We’re going to be here for a couple of years making this a home,” Principal Dusty Meek said.

Meek said some things still need fixing, but he defines this year in a good way.

“I would say just grit, just being able to overcome all obstacles,” Meek said. “To be able to come through the other side, we experienced this, we survived this, and we are stronger for it.”

Wynne High School finding ways to recover nearly a month after tornado 

The school is comprised of 50 pods that make up the classrooms, the cafeteria, the auditorium and the gymnasium. Additionally, the school also has multiple tornado shelters.

“Everything feels normal, everything is in place,” Marcado said. “I didn’t think a year ago today this is where I would be.”

She said she is thankful for the new campus, her family’s new home and the continued support from the community and others.

Moore said they’re looking at being at the temporary campus for the next couple of years.

Wynne High School makes temporary home six months after tornado

However, they are planning on rebuilding the high school at the same location where the old one was destroyed, hoping to break ground around the summertime.

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