CORNELIUS – “I challenge you to set the bar high,” District 2 school board member Rhonda Lennon told Hough High School students at the school’s dedication Friday, Dec. 10. “We’ve given you excellent faculty and staff and a community to go with it,” she said.

Hundreds filled the auditorium of the new school, named for long-time Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools administrator and former principal at North Mecklenburg High School William Amos Hough, including Davidson Mayor John Woods, At-Large School Board Member Kaye McGarry and about 40 of Hough’s family members. Hough’s son and daughter, Dr. Bill Hough and Ms. Zoe Okamoto, participated in the ribbon cutting.

A special guest – the school’s new Huskie mascot – also attended. The costume was a gift from the school’s PTSA, along with a portrait of Hough.

The 258,000 square-foot school, built to relieve overcrowding at North Mecklenburg and Hopewell high schools, opened Aug. 25. The building was part of the $516 million bond package approved three years ago.

“We know this investment is built on a strong foundation,” Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Peter Gorman said. In all, the school represents a $50 million commitment from taxpayers.

“What they really were investing in were you students,” Lennon said.