Dedication ceremony Held for new Lawrence County High School Vocational Annex
LAWRENCE COUNTY Superintendent Katie Webb, along with members of the Lawrence County Board of Education, Maddlene Roberts, Barbara Robinson, Jim See, Senior Advisor to KY Governor, Rocky Adkins, KY Representative Scott Sharp, board member, Susie Rice and former LC Superintendent Robbie Fletcher, now Kentucky Commissioner of Education, cut the ribbon officially opening the Lawrence County High School Vocational Annex on May 28.
By Roberta Cantrell
BSN Editor
A large crowd attended the Dedication Ceremony and Ribbon Cutting of the Lawrence County Vocational Annex at the Lawrence County High School Wednesday, May 28.
The event began with the Presentation of Colors by the LCHS Junior ROTC and National Anthem following a welcome and opening remarks from Lawrence County Superintendent Katie Webb.
Guest introductions of the LC Board of Education, KY Department of Education, KY State Government and Local Government were made before entering the annex where a prayer was said by Pastor of Hilltop Methodist Church Bobby Stinnet.
Shortly after the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony by the members of the board of education and Lawrence County students, tours were given in the annex as well as the softball facility.
During the event Rocky Adkins, Senior Advisor to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, spoke saying he was honored to participate in the event.
“I was honored to participate in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new career and technical education center addition at the Lawrence County High School,” said Adkins. “This beautiful state-of-the-art facility will open doors to exciting new opportunities for students, faculty and staff alike.
Congratulations to everyone whose hard work and vision made this incredible project a reality!”
Melissa Blackburn, LCHS Agriculture Instructor said the new greenhouse which is part of the new construction is an incredible enhancement.
“It provides exposure to cutting edge technology for greenhouse students, as well as insights in to agriculture mechanics, including electrical and industrial maintenance,” said Blackburn. “The timers, irrigation systems and other integrated features give students an insight of what they might encounter in industry settings. We are thrilled to make use of this new facility in the upcoming school year, growing plants from seed to finish.”
LCHS Carpentry Instructor Charles Bradshaw said the new CTE building is set to enhance the learning opportunities for students and elevate their carpentry skills within the new workshop. “This facility is truly exceptional,” said Bradshaw.
Col. John Turner ROTC Instructor said this facility represents a new beginning by offering our students more classroom space and opportunities to build for the future.
“The LCHS JROTC program appreciates being included in this new building.”
The building is set for the start of the 2025-2026 school year.
The Lawrence County High School was built in 1977, which included a vocational department.
$9,280.350 from the American Rescue Plan Act was allotted in 2021, for the expansion and renovation of the vocational department at the school.
Government and local officials then held a groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 3, 2023, for a new facility to house carpentry and construction, JROTC, computer science, agriculture and a new greenhouse along with a distance-learning lab.