RIDGEWAY, Va. (rbs news now) — Henry County Public Schools celebrated the ribbon cutting Tuesday afternoon for the new Magna Vista High School field house.

The event marked the second field house dedication this year, following one at Bassett High School on August 22.

School Board Chairman Teddy Martin said the project fulfills a decades-old goal for both high schools.

“It’s an exciting day,” Martin told rbs news now. “We wanted to offer equivalent opportunities for both schools, and this project—funded through the sales tax voters approved—was one of the community’s top priorities. It’s been on the list for nearly two decades.”

Martin noted that while the project took time due to construction and plumbing needs, the completed facility brings Henry County’s athletic infrastructure up to modern standards.

“We might have been behind other divisions, but we’ve got the newest now—and I’d put this up against any other field house,” he said.

Superintendent Dr. Amy Blake-Lewis said the project represents a “quick win” for students and the community.

“When I came into Henry County, the 1% sales tax was already in place, but we hadn’t yet made expenditures,” Blake-Lewis said. “We looked at projects that would be highly visible and beneficial for students, and the two field houses were at the top. This is something our community can be proud of.”

She said that investments in facilities also strengthen academics.

“While the sales tax is dedicated to construction and renovation, that frees up other funds for instruction,” Blake-Lewis said. “We’re proud to provide a world-class education for all students in Henry County Public Schools.”

During the ceremony, Magna Vista Principal Dr. Joshua Bocock welcomed guests and thanked school board members, former administrators, and coaches for their dedication.

“In small towns across America, high school football fields are the heartbeat of the community,” Bocock said. “This investment in our sports facilities is an investment in our students and our community.”

Blake-Lewis also addressed the crowd, connecting the project to the division’s long-term RISE 2030 goals.

“This project provides spaces that support student wellness, leadership, and academic engagement,” she said. “It ensures that Magna Vista Warriors have the structure and space to thrive—now and into the future.”

The new field house features modern locker rooms, restrooms, and concessions facilities, serving both student-athletes and fans at “The Hole,” the school’s storied athletic field.

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