There was a sense of excitement in the air as community leaders, educators, families, RCMA staff and friends gathered in Avon Park to celebrate the opening of the new RCMA Avon Park Child Development Center.
The ribbon cutting marked more than the opening of a new child development center. It marked a new chapter for children and families in the Avon Park community—and a renewed investment in their future.
For RCMA, the celebration was especially meaningful. RCMA has been part of the Highlands County community since 1979, providing high-quality early childhood education and supporting families for generations. The Avon Park Center builds on that long history of service while creating a new space designed to give young children the strong start they deserve.
A Celebration Rooted in Community
The ceremony brought together people from across Avon Park and Highlands County who share a commitment to children and the community.
WFLA News Channel 8’s Vladimir Kislinger served as master of ceremonies, welcoming guests and guiding the celebration. The ceremony included an invocation from Bishop Dr. Charles E. Anderson, as well as remarks from RCMA Executive Director Isabel Garcia, and Board Chair Linda Miles.
Honoring a Champion
One of the most meaningful moments of the celebration was the unveiling of a special plaque honoring the late Al Hinson Sr.
A former RCMA Board member, Al was a driving force behind the effort to bring the Avon Park Center to fruition. He believed in the importance of investing in children and in the future of Avon Park, and he worked tirelessly to help move the project forward.
Sadly, Al passed away before he could see the center completed.
His wife, Dorothy Hinson, and son, Randy Hinson, joined RCMA leaders at the ceremony as a plaque honoring his dedication was unveiled.
The plaque will remain on display inside the Avon Park Center as a permanent reminder of Al’s service and his belief in what was possible for the community.
His work helped open the door. His legacy will continue through the children who learn, grow and thrive at the Avon Park Center.
A New Home for Learning
At the heart of the celebration was the Avon Park Center itself.
The new facility provides children with a welcoming environment where they can learn, explore, develop new skills and build the foundation for future success.
For parents and families, the center represents something equally important: an opportunity to access quality early childhood education in their own community while knowing their children are learning and growing in a safe, nurturing environment.
And for Avon Park, the center represents an investment in the community’s future.
Strong communities begin with strong foundations. When we invest in young children, we are investing in families, schools, neighborhoods and the workforce of tomorrow.
Cutting the Ribbon on a Brighter Future
As the ceremonial ribbon was cut, children, community leaders, RCMA board members and staff gathered together to mark the moment.
There was applause, plenty of smiles, lots of confetti, and a sense that something important had just happened in Avon Park.
The Avon Park Center is now open, but the real story is only beginning.
Every morning, children will walk through its doors. Teachers will welcome them. Families will entrust their children to RCMA. And inside those classrooms, countless small moments that will help shape a child’s confidence, curiosity and future.
That is what the Avon Park Center represents.
A new beginning. A new opportunity. And another door opened for the children of Avon Park.
RCMA is proud to be part of this community and grateful to everyone who helped make the Avon Park Center possible.
We look forward to watching the children who enter these doors grow, learn and thrive for years to come.
