By Betsy Finklea
A ribbon cutting was held to celebrate the opening of the new Dillon Elementary School on October 11 at 10 a.m.
Superintendent Ray Rogers said the new facility was “a dream come true” for him. He recalled when he and then County Board Chairman Richard Schafer was then when the ceiling fell at East Elementary School. he said he appreciated everything that everyone has done to make this a reality.
Thurmond Porter of Brownstone was the next person to make comments. He said there was a great deal of teamwork, blood, sweat, and tears, and commitment put into this building and to have it ready to open for school.
Dennis Ward of FW Architects said they knew this building had to be something special.
Senator Kent Williams said this was a great day of Dillon, South Carolina. He thanked the board and Dillon District Four for their leadership. He said what they were witnessing was a perfect example of a partnership that will pay dividends for the rest of our lives. He said we are no longer a corridor of shame, but a “corridor of greatness.” He said this was about leadership, partnership, and investing in our future.
Rep. Jackie Hayes had joyful tears during his remarks where he talked about commitment and the many sleepless nights over this project. He discussed some of the people who played major roles in getting this done. He said MDT donated 40+ acres to Dillon District Four and paid for the infrastructure to go to the school. He said Superintendents of Education Ellen Weaver and Molly Spearman for their assistance. He said Senator Kent Williams helped push it through. He also commended Trico and others. He said a lot of people had to come together to get this done.
He said the funding they got due to COVID also played a major factor in getting this accomplished.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon County News, LLC
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