The North Carolina Education Lottery became part of Ashe County history at the “topping out” ceremony for the new Ashe County Middle School in West Jefferson.
Partners behind the $96 million project recently gathered to sign the final structural beam to mark the last stage of construction for the long-awaited school, set to open in 2028.
More than $50 million raised by the lottery made this project possible through the needs-based grant program. So far, lottery-funded grants have helped open 45 new or renovated schools across the state. Ashe is one of 62 counties to receive this kind of grant from the state. More than half of the $1 billion raised by the N.C. Education Lottery last year went to school construction projects such as this.
Superintendent Dr. Eisa Cox dedicated the ceremony to the future generations of Ashe County students.
“Our children, for years to come, are going to reap the benefits of this beautiful school on this beautiful piece of land that is truly designed for learning to take place,” shared Dr. Cox.
Replacing an older school built in 1966, the new campus brings exciting advancements for students, staff, and the community at large. Features include:
- More than 30 core classrooms overlooking the mountain landscape.
- Three-story media center
- Auditorium for community use
- Two gymnasiums
- Art, Band, and Wrestling classrooms
- On-site medical clinic supported by the local health department.
- Expanded CTE programs in agriculture, digital media, coding, and technology.
When you play the lottery, you’re playing a part in these community-changing investments as we raise over a $1 billion a year for education. In addition to school construction, lottery dollars also give four-year-olds a head start through NC Pre-K, help pay for school support staff and transportation, and support the Next NC Scholarship to make college more affordable for North Carolinians. Want to see how lottery dollars impact education in your own community? Visit the Education page of our website to find your county on the map.
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