FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Despite the heat, most attending the dedication of the new Fairhope Middle School Sunday afternoon stepped outside for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Organizers were pleased with the turnout at the dedication. After a short program in the school library and ribbon-cutting ceremonies, attenders were treated to a tour of the new facility, which will be operational on the first day of school.

The project was built by Staybridge Construction of Birmingham, Ala. In addition to 44 classrooms, the $19 million facility has a cafeteria and gymnasium with separate boys and girls locker rooms.