FORNEY, Texas — The eagerly awaited Forney ISD Keith Bell Opportunity Central (the OC) is scheduled for its grand opening on February 2, 2024.
FORNEY, Texas — The eagerly awaited Forney ISD Keith Bell Opportunity Central (the OC) is scheduled for its grand opening on February 2, 2024.
Rehearsals have been conducted throughout the last week, final preparations have been made, and it's billed as the “biggest party” in Forney.
Forney ISD describes Opportunity Central as an “imaginative, creative, and one-of-a-kind idea that will transform the way schools and communities educate future generations.”
Students began taking CTE classes last August on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the building. On the first floor, there are businesses that the public can patronize. The businesses are run by students during certain business hours.
Forney ISD Superintendent Dr. Justin Terry says many are to thank for helping to bring this national educational model to life.
"We are so appreciative of our community for supporting this one-of-a-kind concept of bringing career, college, and community together that we believe will be a future-proof, national model for education," Forney ISD Superintendent Dr. Justin Terry.
"There are so many people to thank for helping to make the dream of Opportunity Central a reality. We want to honor and celebrate with them at the grand opening event, including a special dedication for the OC namesake, Rep. Keith Bell."
Five shops, including boutiques, decor shops, and an automotive shop, are currently open to the public, and two more are scheduled to open this weekend.
Forney ISD School Board President Greg Pharris says the OC will revolutionize future educational opportunities.
“The OC will help students and their families dream big as new opportunities will help bring their creativity to life,” said Greg Pharris. “Students can prepare for their careers and college and polish their fine arts skills. The OC will be a game changer for Forney ISD and set the standard for future educational opportunities.”
The OC will host spaces that community members can rent to host forums, classes, one-on-ones, birthday parties, and more. Information on their availability will be available soon. Texas Tech University and Dallas College have partnered with Forney ISD and Opportunity Central to offer student programs. Once the OC is officially open, Forney ISD says those face-to-face opportunities will expand.
The grand opening, a ticketed event, will feature performances by Forney ISD students and a special concert by the Emerald City Band. Attendees are encouraged to wear modern disco attire with a “pop of green.” You can purchase tickets by visiting www.theoc.net.
Schedule of Events
4pm-7pm Open House
Come see and explore the partner retail shops, and other student-operated businesses open to the public. In addition, get a taste of the eateries and the well-known White Rhino Coffee. Prepare to take pictures with family and friends throughout the facility.
5pm-6pm
Guests are invited to join the ceremonial ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for The OC namesake, Texas State Representative Keith Bell. This event will be held in The OC Theater.
6pm
The 7,500-seat Arena will open for guests with tickets to enjoy the greatest celebration in Forney, Texas history.
7pm Let’s Groove!
Guests will celebrate this momentous occasion with various student performing groups and the well-known Emerald City Band will take the stage in a high energy production with lights, sound and video.