Southern Pines College and Career Academy (SPCCA) hosted a Topping Out Event on February 1, 2023, on the construction site for the new Southern Pines College and Career Academy building.
One of the steel beams used in constructing the roof of the College and Academy was presented by Dabbs Williams General Contractors and signed by the SPCCA Board Members present, Appling County Board of Education members present, Cogdell Mendrala Architects and Dabbs-Williams General Contracting. After the beam was signed, everyone toured the Coastal Pines Technical College Baxley site (where the building is being built) and later returned to see the beam set in place by the contractors.
“Dabbs-Williams is humbly honored to be a part of the collaborative project. This facility will encourage, educate, and expose students to our Construction industry and promote workforce development within this region.”, stated Brad Williams of Dabbs-Williams General Contracting.
A ‘Topping Out’ event is usually held for larger construction projects and includes the owners, architects, and contractors. While this construction project isn’t as large as those associated with this ceremony, the huge economic development impact the new College and Career Academy will have on the four rural South Georgia communities participating in this educational initiative (Appling, Bacon, Jeff Davis and Wayne Counties) warranted having this topping out event.
The educational opportunities provided to our local high school students taking dual enrollment programs at the new Southern Pines College and Career Academy will be phenomenal, stated Dr. Deibert, CEO of SPCCA. As with all College and Career Academies, our mission is to provide programs that address local workforce development needs specific to our communities.
Dr. Scarlett M. Copeland, Superintendent of Appling County Schools stated, “Appling County School District was proud to take the lead on this major endeavor that will greatly impact our workforce development pipeline in all 4 counties. SPCCA will also build capacity for economic development in rural Southeast Georgia involving all partners. We look forward to the full project becoming a reality Fall 2023”.
The new 11,285 square foot building will house an advanced manufacturing classroom and lab where programs such as Mechatronics Technician, Industrial Fluid Technician, Programmable Control Technician, and Industrial Systems Technology will be taught. The facility will also include a construction classroom and lab that will offer programs such as Carpentry Fundamentals, Electrical Technician, Plumbing Technician, and Masonry.
“A new, exciting educational alternative will soon be a reality for students in Appling, Bacon, Jeff Davis, and Wayne Counties. CMA is proud to have been a part of bringing this state-of-the-art occupational educational opportunity to the area.”, stated Casey Smith, COO of Cogdell Mendrala Architects.
If construction goes as planned, Southern Pines College and Career Academy will open in Fall of 2023. For more information on SPCCA, contact Dr. Glenn Deibert at gdeibert@coastalpines.edu.