West Columbia Celebrates Grand Opening of New Performing Arts Center at East Point Academy

Exciting News from West Columbia!

Good morning, West Columbia! Now that the sun is beginning to rise and we’re waking up to a partly cloudy sky, it seems like a great time to share some exciting news from our community. Close your umbrellas because the afternoon promises to be a cozy 76°F, with gentle breezes coming from the northeast at about 5 to 10 mph. Many of us might find it a perfect day for a stroll outside or perhaps to check out new local happenings!

New Gem in Town: Performing Arts Center Opens!

But here’s something that will make your heart sing — after nearly seven years of hard work, the Performing Arts Center at East Point Academy is finally up and running! That’s right! Located right on the middle school campus in West Columbia, this newly transformed space is no longer just a storage area; it is now a vibrant center for creativity and artistic expression.

The grand opening took place just yesterday with a delightful ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Cayce West Columbia Chamber. Everyone there was all smiles, especially with lively performances from East Point’s own drum ensemble, orchestra, and chorus. It was truly a celebration of the arts!

A Voice for the Arts

We got to hear from Andrew Hart, the Head of School at East Point Academy, who expressed his joy about the new facility. He said, “Many of you know we’re a Mandarin immersion school, but we’re also an ABC Arts Integration school, so we integrate the arts into our curriculum. This is a feat that we never thought we’d be able to do.” It’s clear to see how much the community values arts education.

Shelby Leonardi, the Board Chair of the East Point Academy Board of Directors, shared some insights too. She mentioned that the goal of the board was to underscore the significance of the performing arts at East Point while supporting both students and faculty. “With this building, we hope to show how much we focus on and support the performing arts,” she enthused.

Making Good Use of Resources

It sounds like the board found a great opportunity in the wake of those challenging times during the pandemic. Leonardi explained that there were some funds available post-COVID that needed to be utilized effectively. “We saw this as a fantastic way to invest in our school and expand facilities for the benefit of our students,” she remarked.

What’s Next for the Center?

The East Point administration is buzzing with excitement, too. They share that the new space will not only truly enhance the Mandarin immersive education they are known for but will also provide a perfect platform for students to showcase their talents and hone their skills in the performing arts. This is a massive opportunity for all aspiring artists out there!

What’s in store for the Performing Arts Center? It will be a stage for a variety of performances, whether it’s drama, dance, or chorus. It’s a chance to let students shine and develop a passion for performance in a supportive environment.

Get Involved!

If you want to learn more about East Point Academy and all the wonderful things happening there, don’t hesitate to visit their website. It’s a place brimming with opportunities for engagement and, of course, artistic endeavors.

So as you step outside later today, don’t forget to soak in the warm weather and maybe take a moment to celebrate this vibrant addition to our community. With all this creativity flowing, West Columbia is truly alive!