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Tuesday morning, Bainbridge High School (BHS) students, faculty, staff, and chamber members gathered for the ribbon cutting ceremony of the new BHS Performing Arts Center.

The event opened with a warm welcome and gratitude from Decatur County Board of Education (DCBOE) Superintendent Dr. Boyd English. “It’s always delightful to see everyone come together,” English remarked. “It’s an even greater delight to see the purple and gold and our youth standing before us, making us proud. On behalf of DCBOE Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Wilkinson, Principal Christopher Bryant, and the entire administration, faculty, and staff of BHS, it is an absolute honor to welcome each of you to the ribbon cutting ceremony for our new performing arts center.”

Dr. English thanked Tim Cochran, former superintendent, for his dedication to the growth and development of future Bearcat generations in the arts. He also acknowledged JCI contractors and Altman + Barrett Architects for their partnership in constructing the facility, alongside Steve Calder and Tim Matthews for overseeing the project and meeting benchmarks. Lastly, English expressed gratitude to the Bearcat family and the community for their steadfast support of the fine arts program.

Dr. Larry Clark followed with the invocation.

Mayor Edward Reynolds then addressed the crowd, highlighting the significance of the new facility. “The fine arts building is the final piece that makes our campus complete. This building represents continued progress for our community, and we will continue to move toward a bright future for Decatur County and the city of Bainbridge,” Reynolds stated. He also commended local and educational leaders for providing the right tools and environment for students to thrive.

Keith Lyle Jr. took to the podium to reflect on the importance of the performing arts center. “This marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with creativity, inspiration, and endless opportunities for our students,” he said. “Our schools have long been committed to fostering excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts. This center serves as a testament to that commitment, providing a space for students to build confidence and express themselves, enriching both their education and personal growth.”

BHS Principal Christopher Bryant wrapped up the speeches, sharing his pride in the new facility. “This has been a long time coming, and we couldn’t be more proud to finally share this space with our students, staff, families, and community. This building represents more than just a stage and seats—it represents opportunity, creativity, and growth for our students.”

Karen Tobin, Chamber President, offered congratulations before inviting board members, district leaders, and school administrators to join in the official ribbon cutting ceremony.

Following the ceremony, attendees stepped inside the performing arts center to enjoy performances by the BHS choir, which sang “Rainbow” by Kacey Musgraves, and the band, which played “Ascend.” The event concluded with fresh coffee brewed and served by Bearcat Brew members, leaving the community excited for the center’s future contributions to the arts.