Yancey County Schools celebrated two exciting additions to its educational programs on Friday with ribbon cutting ceremonies for a new agriculture barn and arena as well as an expanded Career and Technical Education (CTE) building. These facilities represent more than new buildings—they reflect a community coming together to create opportunities for the next generation.
The new agriculture barn and arena will open doors for students interested in animal science and agriculture, providing hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom instruction with real-world skills. The facility will also support the continued growth of agricultural education and the school system’s FFA program, helping students explore their interests and prepare for future careers.
The CTE expansion building will provide dedicated space for heavy equipment, construction and electrical trades programs. Through these programs, students will have opportunities to develop valuable technical skills, explore career options, and prepare for success in the workforce or continued training after graduation.
“These projects are about giving our students more opportunities to discover their strengths, develop new skills, and build a better future for themselves,” said Yancey County Board of Education member Wade Dahlberg. “We are fortunate to have a community that believes in our students and is willing to invest in opportunities that will make a lasting difference in their lives.”
The ribbon cutting ceremonies also marked an important milestone for the CTE department after years of planning, hard work, and collaboration.
“It is exciting to see years of hard work and collaboration finally come to fruition,” said CTE director Cynthia Deyton. “These facilities are the result of many people working together with a shared goal of providing our students with meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this vision a reality, and we look forward to seeing how these spaces will benefit our students for years to come.”
The ceremonies brought together Yancey County Commissioners, YCS School Board members, Harper Construction, FFA officers, McMillan Pazdan Smith architects, Tri-County Construction, representatives from Farmland Preservation and Cooperative Extension, YCS’s grant writer, Facilities Management staff and CTE students. Their presence reflected the many partnerships and countless hours of work that go into making these projects possible.
Yancey County Schools extends special thanks to Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler, Dogwood Health Trust, and Rebuilding Hollers for their support, as well as the donor who provided a truck and trailer for the heavy equipment and carpentry programs. YCS also appreciates the many community partners, staff members, and local leaders who helped bring these projects to life.
In a community where preparing young people for the future is a shared priority, these new facilities are another example of what can be accomplished when people work together. Yancey County Schools is grateful for the continued support of its community and looks forward to seeing students make the most of these new opportunities for years to come.
