LEXINGTON, SC (WOLO) — Lexington County School District One is celebrating the newest member to its academic family — South Lake Elementary. Located on Bluefield Road, the new facility is the county’s final school built as a result of a community-supported bond referendum in 2018. Spanning over 128,000 square feet, the $45 million state-of-the-art facility is now home for the Blue Heelers, welcoming over 400 students and 80 staff members since it officially opened its doors on August 7th. Chair of the Lexington County School Board, Anne Marie Green says Lexington is one of the fastest growing cities in South Carolina, and South Carolina is one of the fastest growing states in the country. “The future is here in this building. And so that’s just really emotional to think about that we’re setting the path and a course for these students to go on to things that we can’t even imagine. Because life and technology and communities evolve so quickly. And so it’s just very exciting to know that this school is going to be here and adapt with these students but still provide them that strong foundation in reading, writing, math, and the arts that they’re gonna need to move into their futures,” Green says. Speakers at Wednesday morning’s dedication ceremony also included SC’s Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver and district Superintendent, Dr. Gerrita Postlewait. Adding to the excitement was the unveiling of their mascot’s name. Voted on by students, the winner is “Stanley” — named after Principal Jennifer Stanley. “It actually brought tears to my eyes if I’m honest with you. I’m very humble by nature and for the students and staff to name the mascot, the Blue Heeler after me, it caught me off guard but it was very touching and very sweet and it will be something I will remember forever,” says Stanley. Having been an educator for 29 years, Principal Stanley believes a school is not just where students learn, it’s the hub of a community. “Our school is surrounded by kids that are only going to do great things. And to me, that makes me so proud to be a public educator because it is shaping the future of our country. And also to support our community in recognizing that what they do empowers our students and what we do empowers them even further,” Stanley says. Going forward, the Blue Heelers’ mission is to represent the community with loyalty, hard work, independence, and courage. “It’s been an honor to have this dedication come to fruition. It’s taken a lot of time and work behind the scenes to make sure we hit everything just right, and we wanted to make it perfect. And in the end we learn that our students are the ones that make it perfect. And so today was an honor to have everyone here to support us and support our families and our kids, and so it was just a really really wonderful day. Very special,” says Stanley. Categories: Local News, News Tags: Blue Heelers, Dr. Gerrita Postlewait, Ellen Weaver, Jennifer Stanley, Lexington County School District One, South Lake Elementary School