Students, educators, elected officials and community members celebrated the official opening of Whale Branch Early College High School’s new performing arts center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday.

The high school’s new 34,000-square-foot performing arts center can seat nearly 500 people and will be used not only for student performances, but also for community events.

“This has been a long journey for our school and our community,” Whale Branch Principal Mona Lise Dickson said in a release. “We now have a beautiful facility we can use to give our students a professional-level environment that supports all of the performing arts, everything from band and drama productions to singing and dancing.”<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

Student performers at Thursday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony included Amari Johnson and Lawren Caldwell, and speakers at the event included Student Body President Jameah Moore and Vice President Jamyah Moore, who are twins.

“This is an exciting day, not only for Whale Branch Early College High but also for the entire Beaufort County School District,” Superintendent Frank Rodriguez said. “I’m sure this wonderful facility will host many outstanding student performances in the years to come.”

The performing arts center’s lobby is decorated with a large and colorful mural, “Marshland Landscape,” by famed Lowcountry artist Jonathan Green.