Southside, AR – On July 31, 2025, Southside School District and Nabholz hosted a Topping Out Ceremony to celebrate placing the final steel beam atop the High School and Junior High Addition.
Brad Hegeman, Vice Chairman & Chief Strategy Officer at Nabholz, emphasized the critical importance of maintaining a safe worksite and the collective effort it takes to bring a project to life. “While many contribute to the success of a project, the topping out ceremony is a special moment to recognize and show appreciation for the trades and craftspeople who physically build the structure,” Hegeman shared.
Clayton Vaden, Principal at Lewis Elliott Architects Engineers, highlighted the thoughtful design behind the project. “This building not only enhances the campus but also improves student flow and connectivity throughout the day,” he noted.
The project features a new arena and a FEMA-rated safe room that doubles as a practice gymnasium. Academic enhancements include cutting-edge agricultural facilities, modern science and computer labs, and a variety of new classrooms. The cafeteria will offer upgraded kitchen facilities, expanded dining areas, a student lounge, and a coffee bar—creating a vibrant hub for student life.
Completion is anticipated in Spring 2026, marking a significant milestone in the school’s continued growth and commitment to excellence.
Nabholz, founded in 1949, has offices in Arkansas, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Connecticut and is currently ranked #84 on Engineering News-Record’s list of the Top 400 Contractors. For more information about Nabholz, go to www.nabholz.com.