Bright Local Schools invites community to ribbon cutting for Wildcat Learning Center

By Jason Iles
Superintendent
Bright Local Schools

Bright Local Schools proudly invites our community stakeholders, families, business partners, alumni, and Wildcats – past, present, and future – to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of the Wildcat Learning Center on Monday, Aug. 17.

The Wildcat Learning Center represents Bright Local's continued commitment to preparing students for success through career readiness, workforce development, remote learning lab, student wellness, and innovative learning opportunities. Designed as a hub for education, collaboration, and community engagement, the center brings together resources that will support students and families for generations to come.

A cornerstone of this exciting project is our partnership with HealthSource of Ohio, whose new School-Based Health Center will provide students and families with convenient access to high-quality primary care, behavioral health, and preventive health services. By bringing healthcare directly into our school community, Bright Local and HealthSource of Ohio are removing barriers to learning and ensuring students have the support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

The Wildcat Learning Center also celebrates our longstanding partnership with Counseling Source, whose dedicated team has been an invaluable resource for Bright Local students and families. The new facility features state-of-the-art counseling and therapeutic spaces, thoughtfully designed to provide a welcoming, private, and comfortable environment where students can receive comprehensive mental health services. These modern spaces will allow Counseling Source to continue expanding its impact while meeting the growing needs of our school community.

In addition to healthcare and counseling services, the Wildcat Learning Center will house workforce development programming, collaborative community partnerships, and the Wildcat Den Coffee Shop, creating authentic, hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for future careers while strengthening connections between our schools, local businesses, and community organizations.

The Wildcat Learning Center is more than a new building—it is a reflection of Bright Local Schools' vision of educating the whole child by investing in academics, career readiness, physical health, mental wellness, and meaningful community partnerships. Together, these opportunities ensure every Wildcat has the resources, support, and experiences needed to succeed in school and beyond.

We hope you will join us as we celebrate this exciting milestone and the partnerships that continue to shape the future of Bright Local Schools.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Agenda

12:00–12:15 PM
Light Refreshments & Conversation
 Workforce Area

12:30 PM
Star-Spangled Banner & Pledge of Allegiance
 Whiteoak High School Band & Flag Team

12:35 PM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
 Superintendent

12:40 PM
Celebrating Partnerships & Our Vision for the Future
Future Plans
A1 Buildings
Bright Local Board of Education
Counseling Source
HealthSource of Ohio
Wildcat Den Coffee Shop

12:45 PM
HealthSource of Ohio 
Dr. Prather

12:50 PM
Counseling Source, 
Cara Roush
1:00 PM
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Photo Opportunity

Building the Future Together
Bright Local Schools extends its sincere appreciation to Future Plans, HealthSource of Ohio, Counseling Source, A1 Buildings, the Bright Local Board of Education, and our many community partners whose collaboration, vision, and support made the Wildcat Learning Center possible.

Together, we are creating a destination where education, healthcare, mental health services, workforce development, and community partnerships come together under one roof to better serve our students, families, and community.

Join us on Monday, August 17, 2026, as we celebrate this exciting new chapter and officially open the Wildcat Learning Center. 

We look forward to celebrating with you!

Please RSVP to Tracey Barnett Tracey.Barnett@blsd.us