The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a topping ceremony for Nabholz Construction’s project to build a cafeteria and fine arts facility for the Batesville School District.
At the Sept. 11 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, and creates opportunities for business growth. We have been a close 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 the Batesville School District, expressed pride in the district’s growth.
“This facility will stay with us for years to come and be enjoyed by the community,” he said. “It will be a showpiece for Independence County and the Batesville community.”
James said construction is on schedule and expected to be completed next fall.
He also acknowledged the significance of the date 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,” James said. “On this day of remembrance, we honor the servicemen 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 project and recognized the contributions of their trade partners.
Randy Palculict, the project architect from Jackson Brown Palculict Architects, described the facility to the crowd.
“By the time the project is complete, it will have a 2,000-seat auditorium; rehearsal spaces for band, choir, orchestra, and drama; an art room; a social studies classroom; and a culinary kitchen—as well as the cafeteria, a central and essential part of the facility,” Palculict said.
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).
Above: Batesville Mayor Rick Elumbaugh (left) and Interim Batesville School District Superintendent Dr. Ken James at the topping ceremony.
Images provided by the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce
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