HOLLY HILL, S.C. — Construction workers are putting the finishing touches on a new elementary school in Holly Hill.
Students from Vance-Providence, St. James-Gaillard, and Holly Hill Elementary schools will be attending the new school next fall, and crews are working hard to ensure the building is ready in time for the grand opening.
Behind Holly Hill Elementary, workers are putting in long hours to get East Lake Elementary completed for a January ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Reva Sellers, a local parent, expressed her gratitude for the schools in the area and her excitement about the new facility.
"We’re thankful for the schools we have around here in our community, and our kids love them," Sellers said. "It’s a great thing, you know, it's always time to upgrade. You can never know when you need a change, and you know change is sometimes good. Yes, the elementary school was great before, but it can be even better."
Sellers’ daughter attended Holly Hill Elementary, and she is thrilled to see a new, state-of-the-art school being built for the community.
Tarsha Snider, another parent whose daughter is in her last year at Holly Hill Elementary, hopes East Lake will offer the same level of support.
"It’s going to be missed, but as long as it has the same people—principal, teachers, guidance counselors—they are really great with the children. They praise the children, they strive for excellence, and that’s the best thing you can do. Education is the key," Snider said.
For students like siblings Mason and Madison Cary, excitement is in the air.
"We are so excited!" said the first and third-grade students in unison.
Mason and Madison can’t wait to start at the new school. "Miss Stroman showed us the picture of the new school, because we have a new bathroom and a new class," they shared eagerly.
The South Carolina Department of Education's Office of School Facilities is expected to make its final inspection of the school on December 30.
The existing Holly Hill Elementary School will be torn down to make way for a new parking lot.
East Lake Elementary will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, January 3rd, at 11 a.m.