On September 16, all Leesville schools had to let students out early due to a power outage. Duke Energy confirmed that the outage was caused by an underground powerline equipment failure.

The outage affected the school’s lights, air conditioning, internet, and intraschool phones. The communication issues caused disruption when coordinating the early dismissal with parents, especially at the elementary and middle schools. 

The school’s backup generator powered backup lights, but did not fix the internet issues, the school’s PA system, air conditioning, or the school’s water fountains. 

The water fountains not working in particular affected some students. Lucas Barton, sophomore said, “I was mad because I ran out of water, and I started being thirsty.”

Despite this struggle, students enjoyed the day. “That was probably the best day of my life. I didn’t have to do any work… we do a lot of work on Canvas, and Canvas was down,” Barton said. 

Other students were more productive. “I actually finished a couple of my missing assignments,” said Madeline Kelly, junior.

By later in the morning, however, the lack of air conditioning had gotten to the students. “The classrooms were 85 degrees, it’s a little hot in there… got a little sleepy, took a nap,” Kelly said. 

Anticipation for early release grew throughout the day, with rumors spreading throughout the school. By 10:50am, however, teachers were going around to rooms informing students that they would soon be released. This prompted teachers to finish up student activities before 11:15am, when all students were dismissed.