Johnson, Lowe's rebuild school gyms in Oklahoma

MOORE, Okla. – The first day of school for students is full of all things new, from teachers to classmates to school supplies.

And for nearly 1,600 students in Moore, Oklahoma, the first day of school also included a new gymnasium.

The Jimmie Johnson Foundation and Lowe’s joined forces to rebuild the gymnasiums of three local high schools that were destroyed after last year’s tornado in Moore. Jimmie Johnson, along with more than 40 Lowe’s employees, celebrated the completed gyms on Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Highland East Junior High in Moore.

“We’re extremely grateful to Lowe’s and the Jimmie Johnson Foundation for the generous donations to help us rebuild these gyms for nearly 1,600 students this year and for all those in the years to come,” said Dr. Robert Romines, superintendent of Moore Public Schools. “Without their donations, the school district would not have been able to complete these projects.”

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Johnson toured the new facility and interacted with the students. The six-time Sprint Cup Champion also met with the school’s girls and boys basketball teams, speaking with them about the importance of teamwork.

“I consider myself an employee of Lowe’s and I am happy to partner with them on the track and in the community,” said Johnson after the ceremony. “Today was so touching and hearing all the stories of what people have gone through and overcame – I can’t imagine how it feels to lose a loved one or a home.”

Lowe’s has been active with the tornado-relief efforts in Moore since the tornado hit the city on May 20, 2013, donating $1 million to the cause and assisting with several tornado-related endeavors since. Johnson also teamed up with the organization for a relief event at a local Lowe’s in Moore. Together, they distributed a truck full of food and supplies to local families in need.

“My heart aches for this community,” Johnson said. “I really am so proud of the progress made here.”