Pike Liberal Arts School dedicated its new science lab this week bringing to fruition several years of planning and working toward the project.

“Something that, for a few years, was a dream has now become a reality,” said Headmaster Ceil Sikes. “With the amazing efforts and determination of so many Pike family members, time and perseverance has paid off for our young people and that is truly what this new science lab is all about.  It will provided many educational opportunities for our students.”

Sikes said everything that is done at PLAS is done with the focus of providing the best possible preparation for the students.

“We want to continue to nurture, encourage, and motivate all of our students to perform to the best of their abilities in order that they may assume their individual roles as productive members of society,” Sikes said.

The theme for the dedication was “Family” because the extended PLAS family and local businesses pulled together to make the dream a reality.

“Local businesses, parents, grandparents and staff pulled together and made this lab possible by determining a need, creating a long-range plan and providing the funding through fundraisers, private donations and support in so many ways to make this a reality,” said Deanne Baggett, PLAS board member. “Muriel Saunders’ enthusiasm and support put us in a position to truly get here in this amazing facility.”

The dedication allowed guests to walk through the new science lab and also view the renovations done to the original lab in the high school building.

“There is no substitute for hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory experiences,” Sikes said. “We are thrilled with the opportunities that the efforts of so many PLAS ‘family members’ have provided.”