Augusta Evans holds groundbreaking

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Some special needs students in Mobile County are getting a brand new school building.

A ground breaking ceremony Wednesday, Nov. 21, marked the start of construction on the new facility for Augusta Evans. The site is at 6301 Biloxi Avenue, which is the site of the old Hillsdale elementary.

Augusta Evans caters to special needs students’ grades K-12 and has made a difference in a lot of lives, including Becky Hollowell’s daughters.

"It has meant her going from an outsider to being part of everything and learning so much,” said Hollowell.

Right now it’s just an empty lot but in a little more than a year, it will be a 77,208 square foot school complete with 36 classrooms, a greenhouse and a lot of excited students.

"It’s going to have bathrooms, then the cafeterias going to be looking different," said one student.

Principal Allen Baggett says this school will cater to all of his students needs.

"It’s so nice to have a new facility that's specially designed for these children," said Baggett.

The student’s plans for this space go beyond the new school. They are already saving up for a playground. Augusta students Alexis and Grace have been collecting change.

"I got pennies I'm saving, and then were going to save quarters and nickels,” said Grace.

One thing Alexis and Grace say the playground must have: plenty of room for cheer leading.

Baggett says the cost of the playground is about $240,000 and they have started the Augusta Evans Foundation to help fund it. So far they have raised around $40,000.

If you want to make this dream a reality you can contact the school to find out how to donate.