CHESAPEAKE - "It's beautiful," Julie Pine said as she walked down the Chesapeake Elementary hallway for the first time with her daughter Shandi.

School officials hosted a dedication and open house of their new school on Sunday afternoon.

Even though teachers and students had already toured the facility, parents and community members got their chance to have a look around at the new school their tax dollars built.

"I think it's great," Pine said as her daughter led her down the hallway and into a classroom. "They really needed a new school."

Many community and family members attended the open house that began with a brief program where Superintendent Sam Hall recognized and thanked those who helped make the school become a reality. Hall began by commending the taxpayers.

After the program, some went to the cafeteria for refreshments while others began to get a first look at the school.

As people walked down the hallways and ventured in and out of classrooms, many seemed impressed with the new building.

"It's so colorful," one woman exclaimed as she toured the downstairs.

"It's wonderful, a long time coming," Linda White said. "It's colorful, it's cheerful, it's beautiful."

Charlie Wolfe said that he liked the new building as he looked into a few of the classrooms before locating one in particular that he wanted to see - the room where his great-granddaughter will be spending her first grade year.

"I think it's very nice," he said. "My great-granddaughter will be in this room right here."

Second-grader Braden White said that she is looking forward to starting the year in the new building and is especially excited about being upstairs.

"I like it very much," she said.