SWANSEA, S.C. — Lexington School District Four has officially opened their new state-of-the-art fine arts center for the district and community.
A ceremony was held on Sunday for the opening of the new performing arts center at Swansea High School.
Back in 2016, a bond referendum was passed to improve the athletic facilities and build a new fine arts center. Construction for the fine arts center began in 2018.
The facility includes 1,200 seats and classrooms for band, chorus, art, and other classes. The auditorium has a full fly stage, concert grand piano, and a sunken orchestra pit.
Dawn Patterson, the assistant principal at Swansea High, says this is a big deal for the entire area.
"We are very excited about this addition to our high school and our district but most importantly our community as well," said Patterson.
Patterson says the community will be able to rent out the space to use for events.
"It's not just something for just the high school students. It is something for our entire community," said Patterson. "This community is really supportive of not just our students and our teachers, but all staff members and they all want the best for community and growing productive citizens."
As part of the referendum, other work has been done.
The front of Swansea High School also had renovations done, and new security features were added to the front office. Bathrooms, and the lobby area to the gym and auditorium were also improved.
For athletics, the softball and baseball fields were both re-positioned, with new bathrooms, a canteen, and dressing areas. The track was also resurfaced. New bleachers have been added to the facilities, along with an updated parking lot by Doug Bennett Field.
Students at the school are excited they have a new fine arts center to perform in.
Before the new facility, the band used to have their performances in the cafeteria.
Christa Lasalle, a junior at the school said, "It'll be a lot nicer playing in here rather than in our cafeteria since we'll actually be up on the stage and have an audience with real comfortable seats."
"When I walked in for the first time, I was not expecting what I just saw. It was much better than what I was imagining," said sophomore Trenton Barnett.
"It's going to encourage people to join fine arts programs," said Austin Skeen, a junior at Swansea High.
"I think just the fact that our fine arts school can be more involved in activities," said Student Body President, Abigail Krasselt. "Our parents can come see us and everyone can actually see them. There's not a bad seat in the auditorium so everyone can see your student perform to the best of their ability."