F. E. Burleson SPE students Jackson Walters, Leeann McNutt and Jaxon Morrow, from left, were the first to use the handicap ramp at Hartselle Fire Arts Center when it was opened Wednesday morning. Accompanying them are aide Dee Hall, substitute teacher Stacy Vernon and teacher T.J. Preuitt. | Clif Knight

Hartselle Fine Arts Center opened its new handicap access ramp on Wednesday prior to the opening performance of “Willie Wonka,” a stage production of College Street Players.

Three special needs students, who were accompanied by their teacher, a teacher’s aide and a substitute teacher, from F.E. Burleson Elementary School were given the honor of being the first to use the ramp.

The students were Leeann McNutt, who is wheelchair bound, Jaxon Morrow and Jackson Walters. Accompanying them were their teacher, T. J. Preuitt, aide Dee Hall and substitute teacher Stacy Vernon.

“We so proud to have the handicap ramp,” said Kelley Redmond, executive director of the Arts Center. “It’s something we’ve wanted for a long time and it’s a thrill to see it being put to good use.”