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Courtesy Hyde County Schools

Courtesy Hyde County Schools

Courtesy Hyde County Schools

Courtesy Hyde County Schools

Courtesy Hyde County Schools

Hyde County Schools celebrated the grand opening of the Mattamuskeet School Industrial Arts Center on January 14, 2025 with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by local dignitaries, state representatives and members of the community. The event marked the culmination of a collaborative effort to provide Hyde County students with state-of-the-art resources for career and technical education.

The ceremony began at 4 p.m. with a warm welcome from HCS Superintendent Dr. Melanie Shaver. Her remarks emphasized the significance of the Industrial Arts Center as a “symbol of progress, partnership, and promise” for Hyde County.

Pastor Jerald Craddock of Soule Methodist and Watson’s Chapel delivered a heartfelt blessing of the site, setting the tone for the day’s celebration. Following this, Chanta Rickard, vice chair of the Hyde County Board of Education, recognized a host of special guests, including Senator Bobby Hanig; Representative Keith Kidwell; members of the Hyde County Board of Commissioners; county manager Kris Noble; project partners, including Stocks & Taylor Construction and Cahoon & Kasten Architects; representatives from the NC Education Lottery; Dr. David Loope and Dr. Lisa Hill from Beaufort County Community College; and students and staff of Hyde County Schools.

Adam Owens of the NC Education Lottery spoke about the organization’s commitment to supporting education initiatives like the Industrial Arts Center.

Hyde County students Holden Williams and Roxy Gibbs, alongside CTE teachers, shared the transformative potential of the center for the school and the community.

Shaver highlighted key contributors to the project, including Ben Cahoon of Cahoon & Kasten Architects for translating the district’s vision into reality; Jeremy Phelps, Hyde County Schools operations director, for his leadership and meticulous oversight of the project; and Stocks & Taylor Construction for completing the project with precision and care, one year and two days after breaking ground.

Shaver’s speech underscored the broader mission of the Industrial Arts Center. “This facility is not just about preparing students for jobs—it’s about preparing them for careers,” she said. “Careers that will allow them to contribute to a strong, vibrant economy right here in Hyde County.” The center will serve as a hub for hands-on learning and career-focused training, equipping students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in a competitive workforce.

The event concluded with the ceremonial ribbon cutting led by Holden Williams and Roxy Gibbs, symbolizing the official opening of the Industrial Arts Center. Attendees were invited to tour the new facility and witness the opportunities it will provide for Hyde County students.

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