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A brief, but rich history
When one hears the word “history” the mind usually conjures up things that are years, even centuries old. But we must remember that everything has a history, be it many years or only a few days. My subject today does not have a long history - in fact, it has only been around about two and one-half years. However it that short time, it has made its mark in Caldwell County and in the Town of Lenoir. I am referring, of course, to the James C. Harper School for the Performing Arts. The school, which operates under the LHS Foundation, opened its doors to the first students in January 2006. I was one of a handful of people who gathered on a cool, sunny day at Saint James Episcopal Church for the ribbon cutting. The church allowed the use of their building as a home for the school, and classes are still being held there at this writing. Later this year the school will be moving to the educational building formerly used by College Avenue Baptist Church. Not only is it a physical move, it is also a symbolic move. The larger quarters will be across the street from the former Lenoir High School. Janet Bloom, Executive Director, is quoted in the Saint James Church newsletter as saying, “My new office will overlook the LHS band building, so I can keep my eye on our long term goal!” I am sure there are mixed emotions as the school leaves its first home. One Saint James parishioner told me she is sad to see the school leave their building but pleased that it is growing and will have their own space. The church has lots of activities for their members and for the community, so their facility will still be put to good use. Saint James Episcopal Church is not the only partner that the school has. The Caldwell County Public Schools, Parkway Bank, and now College Avenue Baptist Church are some of the others. In reality any of us who have made a contribution, large or small, can claim to be a partner. I urge everyone to be a partner in any way they can. One of the things that I admire about the Harper School is their willingness to give back to the community. They sponsor the Harper Concert Band as well as several other smaller ensembles. The Harper Concert Band gives several concerts each year. I have attended most of them, and I have heard some exceptional music at no cost to me. No one would complain if they charged admission, and I am sure the school could use the money. Thank you, Harper Concert Band, for the pleasure and the enjoyment you give to us. Another thing that I appreciate about the school is their willingness to crawl before they walked. They didn't wait until they had a mutli-million dollar campus to start their school; they rolled up their sleeves and went to work. They took their first baby steps at Saint James, and now they're walking a little more steadily down College Avenue. Many of us could learn from their example. On the day that the ribbon was cut, I told Lucy McCarl, Chairwoman of the LHS Foundation Board, that I could foresee the Harper School becoming another Juilliard School of Music. I still think we will see it happen. And when it does, if I'm not history, I'll say, “I told you so.” John O. Hawkins is a native of Caldwell County who resides in Buffalo Cove.
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