It was a day of saying thank you to those who made it all possible.
White County High School held its ribbon-cutting ceremony today at 5 p.m. in the state-of-the-art facility which “wowed” all in attendance.
“Such a special day today. We are super excited about the building and to share it with our community,” Superintendent Dr. Laurie Burkett said. “The Ground Breaking was in July of 2022 and everything has gone according to plan which in today’s time is unusual.”
The new facility houses the band, chorus, and theatre, and seats about 720 people for performances. The Center is built where the baseball field was once located. The baseball and softball fields have been moved to the left of the football field.
The first big event for the Performing Arts Center will be in the first weeks of September. “It will be a night to showcase the chorus, band, and drama department. That will be the first actual event,” Burkett added.
Principal Mary Anne Collier loved sharing the Center with the community. “This is something that our community, faculty, staff, and students can be extremely proud of,” Collier emphasized how grateful they are for the ESPLOST dollars to make it all possible. The Performing Arts Center will be utilized by the White County School system as well as the community.
“We do have a facility use agreement that outside vendors can inquire and utilize. There are of course fees associated with its use,” Collier explained.
Many were in attendance at the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony. Senator Steve Gooch, Mayor Josh Turner, Council Member CJ McDonald, and the White County School Board Members joined in the celebration.
Rod Nix, Project Manager for Charles Black Construction talked about what it meant to him to work on the project. “I graduated from White County High School in 1993. It is a great honor to be able to give back to a school system and the community that has given me so much. I wouldn’t be where I am without it.”
The sentiment was felt throughout the celebration. This is larger than life and the opportunities afforded the students and community are endless.
Jessie Reed Cook, the drama teacher at the High School, Steven Cooler, the new band director, Michael Pickett, the outgoing band director who is retiring, and Kenzley Jenkins, the chorus teacher were bubbling with excitement.
Cook said the first production will be Bright Star a musical by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell November 7 through 10.
Cooler said, “It is exciting to come into the program with this opportunity to invest in our students.” Cooler and his wife moved to White County from Mississippi. He is the new band director for White County High School.
The ribbon was cut and the enthusiasm for a new start spread to all who attended. “Who knows what will come of it all,” said Dr. Jonathan Stribling, Assistant Superintendent of White County High School, “but the opportunity for greatness is here.”
