Today we’d like to introduce you to Octavia Wood-Lewis.
Hi Octavia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
During a drive through the rural community of Ruffin, SC, our family of five came upon an abandoned schoolhouse resting on 26 acres of beautiful, sprawling green space. The grass had grown so high that it nearly hid the building from view, but as we looked beyond the overgrowth, we could see the beauty, history, and promise that remained. In that moment, we knew we had found something special a place that felt like the fulfillment of a dream
Our family has always believed that strong communities are built when people come together. As we stood on those grounds, we imagined the schoolhouse filled with laughter, conversation, creativity, and purpose. We envisioned a welcoming place where residents could gather, organizations could host events, and local entrepreneurs and small businesses could find space to grow and pursue their dreams.
From that vision, Aspire2Inspire Initiative, Inc. was born.
As we began researching the school’s history and working with a conservation company, we discovered even more reasons to preserve this special place. The school is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, honoring its legacy and helping ensure that its story will continue for generations to come.
Since taking ownership, we have restored the baseball field, built a community garden and it is once again being enjoyed by children and families in the community. But there is still so much work to do. The Aspire2Inspire Initiative, Inc.’s Executive Board is working tirelessly to raise the funds needed to renovate the schoolhouse and bring its many possibilities to life.
We believe this historic landmark can become more than a restored building. It can become a gathering place, a source of opportunity, and a home for the shared hopes and dreams of our community. With the support of generous neighbors, businesses, donors, and friends, we can preserve the past while creating a brighter future one where everyone has a place to belong, connect, and thrive.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Restoring a historic school is more than repairing a building it is about preserving memories, honoring generations who passed through its doors, and creating new opportunities for the generations yet to come. One of the greatest challenges facing **Aspire2Inspire Initiative, Inc.** is securing the resources necessary to bring this historic school back to life.
A2i is deeply grateful for the grants and community support we have already received. These investments have helped move our mission and vision forward, but significant work remains. The school requires extensive repairs and improvements to make it safe, accessible, and suitable for the many educational, recreational, cultural, and community activities we envision.
One of the most important steps is identifying and safely addressing hazardous materials within the building. This specialized work must be completed professionally before additional restoration and renovation can proceed. Other needs include repairs, electrical and plumbing improvements, maintenance, and updates that will preserve the building’s historic character while preparing it for future programs, community gatherings, and opportunities for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations.
The historic school is also part of a 26-acre property, creating an equally important responsibility beyond the building itself. Maintaining the grounds, preserving the baseball field, managing overgrown areas, and keeping the property safe, accessible, and welcoming require ongoing financial resources, equipment, labor, and volunteers.
For A2i, fundraising is not simply a goal it is an ongoing commitment. Our Executive Board continues to pursue grants, cultivate partnerships, organize fundraising initiatives, and engage individuals and organizations who believe in the possibilities this property represents. Still, a vision of this magnitude cannot be accomplished by one organization alone.
Every gift, regardless of size, brings us closer to the day when this historic school once again opens its doors. Financial contributions are important, but so are in-kind donations, equipment, materials, volunteer hours, professional expertise, sponsorships, and simply sharing our story with others.
By supporting Aspire2Inspire Initiative, Inc., you are not simply helping repair an old school. You are helping preserve a legacy, create opportunity, and invest in the future of an entire community.
We invite individuals, businesses, organizations, alumni, former students, friends, and supporters both near and far to join us in this important endeavor. Together, we can transform this treasured landmark into a vibrant gathering place a place where history is honored, community is strengthened, opportunity is created, and hope continues to grow.
The doors may have been closed for years, but the vision for what can happen behind them is just beginning.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Preserving a Legacy, Creating Opportunity
At Aspire2Inspire Initiative, Inc., we believe that a community’s greatest strength is its people and that when people have places to gather, learn, play, create, and connect, communities can thrive. Our work is centered in Ruffin and surrounding communities, where we are creating opportunities for people of all ages through education, recreation, physical activity, the arts, community engagement, and economic opportunity. At the center of this vision is the restoration of the historic Ruffin School and its 26-acre property, transforming a once-vacant school into a vibrant community hub for generations to come.
But our work is about much more than a building. We are developing spaces where children can play and grow, families can gather, seniors can remain active and connected, residents can learn new skills, entrepreneurs can explore opportunities, and the community can celebrate its history and culture. From the revitalization of the baseball field and development of the community garden to technology, arts, educational, and recreational initiatives, each project represents another step toward a stronger and more connected community.
We are proud that we did not give up on a place that others might have considered forgotten. The historic school sat vacant for years, but we saw possibilities where others saw deterioration. Today, the property has renewed purpose. The school has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places, the baseball field has been brought back to life, and community members are once again gathering on a property that holds generations of memories.
Perhaps the most rewarding part is seeing the response from the community. There is something powerful about watching children run, play, and laugh in a place that had been quiet for so long. Equally meaningful is hearing former students and older generations return and share memories of their school days. Their stories remind us that we are not simply restoring a building we are restoring a connection to the past while creating something meaningful for the future.
We see a baseball field as more than a field it is a place where children learn teamwork, discipline, and confidence. We see a garden as more than a place to grow food it is a classroom, a gathering place, and an opportunity to connect generations. We see a historic school as more than an aging structure it is a doorway to education, entrepreneurship, recreation, creativity, community, and hope.
Most importantly, we believe in doing this with the community, not simply for the community. Volunteers, alumni, businesses, organizations, residents, and community partners all have a place in this vision. Every contribution of time, talent, resources, knowledge, or encouragement helps move the work forward.
We are Aspire2Inspire because we believe people should have the opportunity to aspire to something greater and the resources, spaces, and support needed to help make those aspirations possible.
Aspire2Inspire is preserving history, investing in our people, and building a future where community, opportunity, and hope have a place to grow.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
This work is rewarding, but it is not easy. Securing the resources needed to fulfill our mission is challenging, but we believe it is possible. We simply have to keep pressing forward.
There is no greater reward than seeing children running, playing, and laughing on these grounds simply enjoying being children. Just as rewarding is hearing older generations reminisce about the good times they experienced while attending the school and playing sports. Their stories, laughter, and smiles are priceless reminders of the memories and history that live within these walls and grounds.
With the support of community members, we have also watched these once overgrown grounds become clean, manicured, and welcoming again. Seeing that transformation is a testament to our hard work, determination, and commitment to working together with the community.
For us, this is about more than restoring a building or maintaining a field. It is about bringing a cherished place back to life, honoring its history, and creating new memories and opportunities for generations to come.
Pricing:
- Baseball field: Rental for the baseball field is $35.00 per hr. Renters have the option to manage the concession stand for an additional fee. Electric is included. Free and safe parking is available.
- Front grounds: Rental for front grands $1,000.00 per day. Excellent space for reunions, flee & farmers markets, fairs, concerts, car shows and more. Free and safe parking included.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aspire2i.com
- Instagram: @a2i_initative
- Facebook: Aspire2Inspire
