The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce joined the Batesville School District on Thursday, Oct. 23, to celebrate the grand opening of the new Batesville Performing Arts Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring performances by the Batesville High School Orchestra and Choir.
Batesville High School student Kagen Middleton, who participates in choir, theater, and band, opened the ceremony.
“Today is an exciting day as we gather to cut the ribbon to open the Batesville Performing Arts Center,” Middleton said. “For students like me, this building is a reminder that arts connect us all and that the Batesville School District truly believes in giving students every opportunity to learn, grow, and shine.”
Superintendent Dr. Ginni McDonald thanked community partners, including Nabholz Construction, architect Randy Palcott, donors, and district staff.
BSD Superintendent Dr. Ginni McDonald speaks at the recent opening of the Batesville Performing Arts Center / Image: BSD
“It is a wonderful day to celebrate creativity, community, and opportunity,” McDonald said. “The Batesville Performing Arts Center is much more than a building—it’s a place that joins imagination and learning. It’s a stage where our students will sing, dance, act, and discover their voices. It will inspire creativity, confidence, and collaboration for generations to come and stands as a testament to our district’s commitment to education that values the arts as deeply as academics and athletics.”
Dr. Ken James, Batesville native, former district superintendent, and former Arkansas Commissioner of Education, praised the community’s investment.
Former BSD Superintendent Dr. Ken James / Image: BSD
“What an awesome day and an awesome opportunity,” James said. “This facility speaks volumes for this community. It is a showpiece for the fine arts environment in Batesville. Thanks to the hard work of so many and the generosity of this community, this building stands debt-free. I am so proud of our students and this community.”
Board Chairman Scott Fredricks said the project represents an “exciting new chapter” for the district.
“This is a place where students will explore their talents and develop creativity, confidence, and collaboration—skills that will serve them throughout life,” Fredricks said. “Beyond this stage, the project also provides a much-needed cafeteria and additional classrooms supporting both the arts and career education. Thanks to the hard work of our board, staff, and the generosity of our community, we accomplished this with no additional tax dollars.”
Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Crystal Johnson said the facility highlights the district’s commitment to the community’s future.
The BHS Choir performs at the opening of the Batesville Performing Arts Center / Image: BSD
“The Batesville Performing Arts Center represents the power of community partnerships and a shared vision for the future,” Johnson said. “This facility will not only enhance opportunities for students but also enrich the cultural and economic vitality of our region. It’s a shining example of what happens when innovation, education, and community come together.”
Ambassadors in attendance included: Alexandra McClain (Myers-Davis Life Coaching), Andrea Bruner (Network of Community Options), Ashley Davis (Citizens Bank), Brenda Rivera (First Community Bank), Cassidy Mitchell (Lyon College), Cori Perkey (Southern Bank), Crystal Kimmer (White River Health), Kaitlin Thorogood (Jay Chafin Insurance Agency), Lindy Hopper (First Community Bank), Lori Campbell (Batesville School District), Lori Tacker (Batesville Eye Care Center), Michael Kelley (Peco Foods), Sarah Ring (Southern Bank), Silje Antonsen (First Community Bank), and Sydney Wood (Main Street Batesville).
Above image provided by the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce
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