Batesville School District Holds Topping Ceremony
During the topping ceremony, attendees were invited to "leave their mark" by signing the main support beam of the structure.
“Strong public education isn’t just about classrooms,” said Jamie Rayford, COO of the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce. “It’s about building a foundation that supports every aspect of life in our community. That foundation strengthens our workforce, attracts and retains families in our community, and creates opportunities for business growth. We have been a tight partner with the Batesville School District and will continue to do so. We are excited to be here celebrating progress.”
Dr. Ken James, Interim Superintendent of Batesville School District, expressed pride in the district’s growth, stating, “This facility will stay with us for years to come and be enjoyed by the community.” He said construction is going according to plan and is expected to finish next fall.
James also acknowledged the date's significance as the group honored Sara Low, a Batesville High School alumna who died on Sept. 11, 2001, with a moment of silence. “As we stand here proud of our district's growth and expansion, we are also mindful of the sacrifices that come with progress. On this day of remembrance, [September 11th], we honor the service men and women who have answered the call to protect and serve.”
Eric Euler, Nabholz Construction project manager, thanked the Batesville School District for allowing them to participate in the facility’s construction and recognized trade partners for contributing to the project.
Randy Palculicit, the project architect from Jackson Brown Palculict Architects, described the project, saying, “By the time the project is complete, it will have a 2,000-seat auditorium, rehearsal spaces for band, choir, and orchestra, drama, an art room, social studies classroom, and a culinary kitchen, As well as the cafeteria—a central and essential part of the facility. It has been an honor to work with the school district and construction company on this project.”
“We are fortunate to be looking at this wonderful facility. It will be a showpiece for Independence County and the Batesville community,” concluded Dr. James.
Ambassadors in attendance included: Aaron Herndon (Citizens Bank), Adam Curtwright (Centennial Bank), Alexandra McClain (Myers-Davis Life Coaching ), Brenda Rivera (First Community Bank), Ashley Engles (Citizens Bank), Cassidy Mitchell (Lyon College), Christina Watts (LaCroix Precision Optics), Cori Perkey (Southern Bank), Kendra Collier-McMahan (Approve Home Health and Caring Hands), Lindy Hopper (First Community Bank), Lori Campbell (Batesville School District), Lori Tacker (Batesville Eye Care Center), Meredith Simmons (Home Instead ), Michael Kelley (Peco Foods), Peter Rouiler (First Community Bank), Rickie Westbrook (Centennial Bank), Roxanne Rananudo (United Way of North Central AR), Sarah Ring (Southern Bank), Silje Antonsen (Venture Realty Group), Sydney Wood (Main Street Batesville), and Becky Warren (UACCB).
