Brantley High School held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new gymnasium Friday afternoon.

“I couldn’t be prouder of what we have accomplished,” said Principal Chris Odom. “This gym represents so much more than a building for children to play in. I want this to be a start of what’s to come.”

The McKee and Associates started constructing the $1.7 million building last fall. Amenities include a laundry room, two locker rooms with showers, a concession stand and seating for 700.

Students christened the new gym with a pep rally after the ribbon cutting.

Odom said the old gym would be used as an additional venue for school events and would likely remain the graduation venue. Brantley does not have an auditorium.

When basketball season begins, having two gyms will allow the boys teams and girls teams to practice at the same time.

“The children of Crenshaw County should have the same opportunities as any other child in this state and this building is just a glimpse of that. Let us not settle for anything less,” said Superintendent Boyd English. “Let’s open our minds, open our eyes and be willing to embrace change. The sky is the limit.”