WOODRUFF — Students waving American flags joined teachers, families and community leaders at Libertas Academy Woodruff on Thursday, Oct. 1, for a flag-raising ceremony serving as the school’s version of a ribbon cutting.
The celebration marked a milestone for the new campus nearly a year after its groundbreaking. Speakers highlighted the school’s educational mission, the partnerships that helped bring it to Woodruff and the students who will shape its future.
School Director Celina Patton recalled imagining the children and teachers who would one day fill the building.
“Your courage, dedication, and love for our students have made this school what it is today,” Patton told teachers and staff.
Patton said the school’s mission combines knowledge and character, encouraging students to think deeply, act with integrity and take responsibility for others.
Tony Helton, CEO of Tutelage School Solutions, directed his remarks toward the students, emphasizing that the celebration belonged to them.
“This school is for you. This school is for those that will come after you,” Helton said.
He described preparing students to participate in their communities and civic life, including teaching them the importance of voting and helping improve the places they call home.
Keith Coones, chair of the Libertas Academies board, thanked school staff, development partners and Woodruff officials for their support. He credited the city’s partnership with helping the school welcome students into the new building.
“We believe then, as we believe now, that quality education should not be determined by your zip code,” Coones said.
Coones emphasized educational opportunities for rural communities, family choice and the school’s commitment to a classical education model with high academic standards.
Cameron Runyan, superintendent of the Charter Institute at Erskine, focused on the connection between education and character. He highlighted virtues including patience, perseverance, respect, responsibility and self-control.
“The thing that I love about this school, patriotism, the academics, everything, but I think what sets this school apart are the values,” Runyan said.
Woodruff City Manager Lee Bailey thanked those whose vision and willingness to take a chance helped make the campus possible. He invited students to join him in a loud, collective “Thank you!” to everyone involved.
“We’re supposed to provide opportunities, opportunities for the kids to learn and grow,” Bailey said.
Bailey also discussed the neighboring Riverbend Athletic Complex and potential opportunities for future school visits, outdoor learning and recreation.
Mayor Kenneth Gist welcomed the school as another educational opportunity for Woodruff families and encouraged students to fill their classrooms with curiosity, kindness, hard work and school spirit.
“A school is more than a building,” Gist said. “It’s a place where young people discover their talent, develop their character, and begin to imagine what their future can become.”
The ceremony’s program called for teachers to raise the flags, followed by students leading the Pledge of Allegiance and national anthem.
“May this flag fly proudly over Libertas Academy for generations to come,” Gist said.
