Southside Schools Celebrate Opening of New Arena

Held on the Southside campus, the event marked the completion of a transformative multi-year expansion project designed to enhance educational opportunities, athletics, fine arts, safety, and student development for generations to come.

Amanda Roberts, Membership Engagement Specialist with the Chamber, welcomed attendees and opened the ceremony with excitement about the impact of the new additions.

"Welcome to what is going to be one of the best facilities on a school campus in the state of Arkansas," Roberts said. 

Southside School Board President Eric Lowe reflected on the years of planning, collaboration, and commitment that brought the vision to life.

"It is truly an honor to stand here today and celebrate this incredible addition to our junior and senior high campus," Lowe said. "We are extremely proud of this facility and excited to see it serve our students, staff, and community for many years to come."

Lowe credited former Superintendent Roger Rich for helping shape the original vision and praised Superintendent Dion Stevens for guiding the project through construction and completion. "The success of Southside Schools has always been built on collaboration," Lowe said. "That teamwork is one of the greatest strengths of this district, and a major reason why Southside continues to grow and improve."

Clayton Vaden of Lewis Architects Engineers described the project as one of the highlights of his career and emphasized the district's commitment to creating spaces that elevate education and extracurricular opportunities.

"This arena will allow Southside to host state tournaments, summer camps, and major events while also enhancing the experience for students in athletics, band, and fine arts," Vaden said.

The new facility includes an arena, practice gym, locker rooms, weight room, visitor spaces, and a large multifunctional safe room capable of serving junior and senior high students and staff during severe weather events.

Adam Seiter, Executive Vice President of Operations with Nabholz Construction, thanked the district for the opportunity to help bring the project to life.

"A day like today reminds us why we do this," Seiter said. "It's exciting to know we were part of creating a building that will impact students and this community for generations to come."

Southside Superintendent Dion Stevens shared how the new facilities will support district growth and highlight the community's vital role in the project through a millage increase that helped make it possible.

Stevens also highlighted the community's support through a millage increase that was essential in making this project a reality, demonstrating collective effort and dedication.

"Our community said that all students need access to nice facilities, top-notch teachers, and a first-class education," Stevens said. "For that, we are forever grateful."

He additionally recognized teachers, administrators, school board members, state leaders, and project partners for their dedication throughout the process. 

The ceremony marked not only the completion of a major construction project but also a continued investment in educational excellence and the future of the Southside community.

Ambassadors in attendance include:  Aaron Herndon (Citizens Bank), Abigial Ballard (Lifeplus), Alex McClain (Myers-Davis Life Coaching), Brandon Lackey (Southern Bank), Brenda Rivera (First Community Bank), Christina Watts (LaCroix Precision Optics), Eva Henriksen (Citizens Bank), Kirsten Martin (AR Sheriff's Youth Ranch), Kristen Morgan (FNBC), Micah Richarson (Citizens Bank), Michael Dickinson (City of Batesville), Michael Kelley (Peco Foods), Nathan Dowen (Citizens Bank), Robert Stephens (Network of Community Options), Sarah Perkins (Mossy Oak Properties) and Sarah York (Southern Bank).