Community, leadership, and vision celebrated as the new field house, track, and football/soccer practice fields officially open
Thomaston-Upson Schools hosted a landmark ribbon-cutting ceremony today to celebrate the completion of Phase 3 of the Upson-Lee athletic upgrades, marking the final step in a multi-year vision to enhance athletic opportunities for students across the district.
Under clear skies and in front of students, staff, elected officials, and community members, Superintendent Dr. Larry Derico delivered a powerful speech highlighting both the significance of the moment and the community collaboration that made it possible. Dr. Derico reflected on breaking ground just nine months ago and spoke proudly of how far the project has come in such a short time.
He emphasized that this facility—featuring a new state-of-the-art field house, track, and football and soccer practice fields—represents far more than bricks and mortar. It symbolizes opportunity, growth, and a shared belief in the potential of Upson-Lee student-athletes. Dr. Derico reminded attendees that the project was made possible through the community’s continued support of SPLOST, noting how these investments have transformed athletic facilities across the district.
Over the last several years, Thomaston-Upson Schools has rebuilt and revitalized key athletic spaces, including the high school softball and tennis complex, historic Matthews Field, and the middle school baseball and softball facilities. Today’s ribbon cutting adds another milestone to that list—one that Dr. Derico described as a testament to “what can happen when a community believes in its young people.”
Following Dr. Derico’s remarks, Upson-Lee High School Principal Ricky English spoke about the deep impact this new complex will have on students. He shared that the facility is more than an athletic improvement—it is a visible symbol of how the Thomaston-Upson community continuously supports and invests in its schools. Principal English noted that when visiting teams arrive on campus, they will immediately recognize the pride this community takes in creating exceptional experiences for students.
Community partners, including Parrish Construction Group, architects from MSSA | PBK, Board of Education members, and district leaders, were recognized for their roles in planning and bringing the vision to life.
As the ribbon was cut, applause echoed across the complex—celebrating not only the opening of a new facility, but the conclusion of a strategic, multi-year improvement plan that will benefit Upson-Lee athletes for generations.
Thomaston-Upson Schools proudly marks this moment as a celebration of progress, partnership, and the enduring spirit of Upson-Lee.
We Are UL!