Alamance-Burlington Schools held a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony Monday morning to celebrate the opening of the brand-new Southeast Alamance High School. The state-of-the-art facility welcomed its first students on September 11, 2023, to kick off the 2023-2024 school year.
“This has been five years in the making,” said Sandy Ellington-Graves, ABSS Board Chair. The $67 million facility was funded through the county's Education Bond that voters approved in 2018.
The dedication event included remarks from Student Body President Nsima Ikpe, ABSS Board Chair Sandy Ellington-Graves, Superintendent Dr. Dain Butler, and Principal Eric Yarbrough. The Southeast Alamance High School chorus and band also performed.
"It has been amazing to watch this place come to life - to see collaboration in the classrooms, creativity in the labs, and friendships forming in the halls. In such a short time, this already feels like home," said Ikpe.
This is the first new high school to open in the District in 50 years since Hugh M. Cummings High School opened in 1970. The school features flexible learning spaces, STEM labs, collaborative commons areas, auditorium, two gyms, and a media center designed to foster 21st century learning.
"With schools like Southeast Alamance High, we are providing the ideal environment for our talented teachers to deliver maximized pathways that prepare students for college, career, and life," said Dr. Dain Butler, Superintendent.
Principal Eric Yarborough thanked the students, their families, and community for the work they’ve already done since the school opened to make the first few weeks successful.
“We have an involved group of families who have already stepped up to support their students' education. It takes all of us working together - students, staff, families and the community - to create an exceptional school," he said.
Following the ribbon cutting, guests enjoyed tours led by student council members and refreshments provided by the contractor Samet Corporation and Moseley Architects.
