Raymond E. Santmyers Student Union and Activity Center Grand Opening: A Beacon for Youth

Warren County residents gathered on November 1st for the long-anticipated grand opening of the Raymond E. Santmyers Student Union and Activity Center. The air was filled with pride and accomplishment as community leaders, volunteers, and youth celebrated the new space dedicated to empowering future generations.

The event started with heartfelt speeches from local officials, students, and community advocates. Delores Oats, a member of the House of Delegates, expressed her excitement about transforming a vision into reality.  Oats nostalgically recalled her teenage years spent in the same building, then called the youth center. “It’s surreal to be back here,” she reminisced. “This space proves what our community can achieve when we prioritize investing in our youth.”

The center, reborn from the tireless efforts of Reaching Out Now, aims to be a haven for young people, offering programs ranging from academic tutoring to leadership development. Adiysn Waters, a junior at Skyline High School and member of the leadership program, inspired attendees with her journey. “Reaching Out Now taught me how to be a leader and embrace who I am,” she shared, crediting the organization for her newfound confidence.

Jennifer Coello of Warren Memorial Hospital praised the partnership that made the center possible. “This place supports our mission of improving community health, not just inside hospitals but through tackling social challenges,” she said.

The unveiling ceremony was more than just cutting a ribbon. It was a testament to the community’s commitment to nurturing future leaders. Local school superintendent Dr. Christopher Ballenger lauded the center’s role in providing students with a welcoming and innovative space. “This partnership represents our dedication to our children’s development and success,” he stated.

The center features a state-of-the-art activity room, a Student Success Center sponsored by Warren Memorial Hospital, and areas for career readiness and social gatherings. Joseph Barber, co-founder of Reaching Out Now, spoke about the building’s transformation. “We aimed to make this a place for youth, not just another school-like environment,” he said, adding details about the community-inspired design and upcoming plans for the center’s outdoor area.

In a moment of deep gratitude, Samantha Barber, co-founder, thanked the many hands that made the dream a reality. “We didn’t do this alone,” she said tearfully. “Every volunteer, every partner, every prayer was part of this journey.”

The event concluded with prayers led by Pastor John Miller from Abundant Life Church and a communal cheer as the ribbon was cut. A sense of hope lingered as the crowd dispersed, exploring the center’s bright spaces and enjoying box lunches under the crisp autumn sky. The Raymond E. Santmyers Student Union and Activity Center stands not just as a building but as a promise—a promise of brighter futures for Warren County’s youth.