The upcoming school promises big changes for Port Arthur Independent School District students.

The administration and board members were on hand to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the Wilson Early College High School Tuesday in Port Arthur. The school is designed as a place where students can earn a high school diploma as well as an Associate of Arts or Applied Science degree through Lamar State College-Port Arthur.

“We have come so far from the Wilson building,” PAISD superintendent Mark Porterie said to the numerous people in attendance. “I never dreamed it would turn out as beautiful as it has today.”

Porterie called the fact that students could earn an associates degree by the time they graduate the 12^th grade “phenomenal.”

Board president Donald Frank Sr. said it was exciting to walk the halls of his old school and reminisce but he noted it was even more thrilling to consider future students’ experiences with the college-ready school. He called their future “bright.”

“We are delighted to share this day with you,” Wilson principal Gloria Dodson said. She expressed confidence in the school helping improve students’ ability to learn and to grow emotionally and intellectually.

Dodson lauded the “energetic learning opportunities” and described the school as an “extension of family.”

Among the numerous attendees, Reverend Tommiesazine Louviere praised the district’s results with the new Wilson school.

“This is gorgeous and it’s breathtaking,” Louviere said. “To have our children exposed to such a beautiful building.”

Louviere commended the school’s modern layout, comparing it to college classrooms and design.

“Learning has to take place,” she said.

“We are very happy to open the Wilson Early College High School,” Porterie said after the ceremonies. “It’s going to be an absolutely wonderful place for students to learn.”