By Susanne Reynolds

Special to The Post-Searchlight

Bainbridge State College is pleased to announce the groundbreaking ceremony for its Donalsonville site will be at 4 p.m., Monday, Feb. 23, at the corner of Cherry St., and Highway 84.

After much community-wide anticipation, the BSC Donalsonville site project is moving forward with an official groundbreaking ceremony.

“This is a very exciting day for Donalsonville,” said Dan Ponder, Donalsonville mayor. “Education is critical in this city’s future growth. This facility will help us produce a more qualified workforce and give those eager to better themselves more of a chance to succeed.”

Program speakers will include, Mayor of Donalsonville, Dan Ponder; BSC Interim Executive Vice President, Shawn McGee; Seminole County school superintendent, Monroe Bonner; Joe Donofro with Donofro Architects; and Carroll Middleton with Construction CGM.

The site was made possible by donations given through the Community Foundation.  Many people from Seminole County were instrumental in transforming the project idea into a reality for BSC students.

The donors’ funds were dedicated specifically to benefit economic development projects that must meet two criteria: Projects must enhance the long term viability of Seminole County and they must benefit people across all races and income levels.

Bainbridge State has long served Seminole County, with approximately 50 percent of Seminole County High School graduates each year enrolling at BSC. With so many Seminole County students in attendance, many from the community felt an even stronger partnership between the college and City of Donalsonville could be possible.

The BSC satellite facility will have a transformational impact on economic development in Donalsonville. It will allow students to take entry level courses while staying in town to complete their two-year degree, and students will also have the opportunity to take advantage of additional courses simulcast from BSC main campus and the Early County site via a classroom equipped with state-of-the-art two-way audio and video equipment.

Donalsonville residents will likewise benefit from a new community meeting room available for various small gatherings.