INDIAN LAND, SC – On Thursday, November 5th, Harrisburg Global Academy school leaders, students, community partners, committee members, and families gathered to honor the dedication and perseverance that brought the school to life through hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Though HGA’s doors have been open to students since September 2026, this celebration was an opportunity to recognize the founding board members, planning committee members, families, and community leaders who made the school a possibility for Indian Land’s families.
The ceremony featured several distinguished speakers and guests, led by Jessica Rivas, Founding Principal of Harrisburg Global Academy. Joining Principal Rivas were HGA staff and students, representatives from Harrisburg Global Academy’s management organization, Alliance Education Services, and leadership from the school’s authorizer, the Charter Institute at Erskine.
“To our students, sitting so wonderfully in front of me – today is your day,” said Rivas. “This school was built for you, and you’re the reason every one of us is here today.”
The ceremony began with a pledge of allegiance led by HGA students. Alliance Education Services’ leadership team members Jennifer Lucas and Justin Matthews shared remarks, followed by Charter Institute at Erskine Superintendent Cameron Runyan. Planning committee member George Genero, who has been on the planning committee since the school was conceptualized eight years ago, spoke about seeing his dream come true for the school. Finally, HGA teachers Laqueita Carter and Santiago Banos Cruz spoke about their passion for Harrisburg Global Academy as part of the inaugural teaching staff. The ceremony was followed by a guided tour led by Principal Rivas, showcasing the school’s learning spaces and facilities.
“I hope everyone takes a moment today to look around and appreciate what your dedication has accomplished,” said Lucas. “Today we celebrate the power of a shared vision, the strength of this community, and extraordinary things that can become possible when people refuse to give up on a dream.”
The tuition-free public charter school serves students in kindergarten through sixth grade and will expand to include seventh and eighth grades in the years ahead. Students learn through the workshop model, with a world language focus in Spanish, STEM woven into the school day, accelerated pathways that can earn high school credit, and a growing lineup of clubs, sports, and after-school programs, including art, chess and badminton!
Enrollment for students K-6 is still open. For more information about Harrisburg Global Academy, visit www.hgacharter.org.
