ON Thursday, RSA Academy Arrow Vale held a poignant official opening for its fully refurbished theatre, The Rhett Theatre.

The theatre was opened by Vikki Heywood CBE, chair of the RSA (The Royal Society of Arts) and is being named in memory of Rhett Butler, a teacher from the school who passed away earlier this year.

Mr Butler had been a student at Arrow Vale but had returned to the school six years ago as a teacher.

Mr Butler died in April, aged 38, after suffering from pancreatic cancer, leaving behind his wife Joanne and young children Charlie and Luke.

A school spokesman said: “He was loved by all students and there are many who feel that he had a profound impact on their lives.

“Rhett was such an inspirational teacher that, within a day of his passing, there were almost 1,500 members of a Facebook group set up in his memory.”

The opening included a number of musical and drama performances. As part of the RSA’s commitment to enhancing students’ learning experiences, a group of year 11 students also spent the afternoon working with Hannah Young, a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company ensemble, before performing during the opening.

Formerly Arrow Vale Community High School, RSA Academy Arrow Vale opened in September 2012.

Visit facebook.com/groups/296617423753981/ to see some of the moving tributes paid to much-loved teacher Mr Butler following his death.