Western York County breaks ground on new agriculture arena
A new era for agriculture education in Western York County officially began on Monday, June 9, as community leaders, students, and educators gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony of the long-awaited Western York County Agriculture Arena.
The event marked more than just the start of construction-it symbolized a growing unity among the area’s school districts and the broader community. Once complete, the arena will serve as a central hub for livestock shows, agricultural competitions, and hands-on learning opportunities for students from across the county.
“This is more than a building,” said one speaker. “It’s a commitment to future generations and the values of hard work, education, and community.”
Several notable guests spoke at the ceremony, including Lucy Allen from Fort Mill School District, State Senator Harvey Peeler, Representative Dennis Moss, Elizabeth Owen of the YSD1 Education Foundation, and Kyle Eller of the Clover Leaf Foundation. Jase Simpson, a homeschool student, also shared remarks on the arena’s potential impact. Each speaker highlighted the arena’s importance in fostering connections between rural youth, educational institutions, and the broader agricultural community.
Students from across York County, many of whom have spent years traveling out of state for shows and competitions, expressed their excitement and support for the project-even if they won’t personally benefit from the facility’s completion.
“I have two younger sisters who are just starting high school and are getting into showing animals,” said Emma Lowrance, a recent graduate of Rock Hill High School and former treasurer of the ADC FFA chapter. “Unlike me, who had to travel out of state because there’s nothing here, they’ll have a place to call their own.”
Other students in attendance included A.J. Dover, the current 4-H Teen Council president at Clover High School; Savannah Cook, a recent Rock Hill graduate and former FFA vice president; and Emma Brown, another Rock Hill graduate and FFA chapter president. All three echoed a similar sentiment: though they will have aged out of the program by the time the arena opens, they’re proud to have helped pave the way.
“We supported this for the future generations,” Dover said. “To give them the opportunities we never had growing up.”
The arena has long been a dream for advocates of agriculture and education throughout the county-including the late Chris Revels, a dedicated supporter of both. Revels, a YSD1 Board of Trustee member, passed away on May 28 but was honored during the ceremony. A tractor with flowers on the seat was displayed in his memory, representing his tireless commitment to the community.
To help fund the arena’s construction, York School District One is launching a fundraiser that allows donors to purchase commemorative bricks. These bricks will become a permanent part of the arena grounds, symbolizing individual and community investment in the future of agricultural education. “So one of the ways we’re funding this is through a brick campaign,” said Superintendent Dr. Sheila Quinn. “People can buy bricks of all sizes to support the project.”
Those interested in contributing to the future of agriculture in York County can visit here to make a donation or purchase a brick. The Western York County Agriculture Arena is expected to open in the coming years, offering a long-needed space for students, educators, and agricultural leaders to connect, learn, and grow-together.
