Unbased first published on 09/02/2015
I attended the Dedication ceremony for new East Hardy High School a couple weeks ago. My sister, Eleanor, and I, along with Hardy County Community Foundation, administer funds from Mom’s (Mrs Ruth Heishman’s) estate which were left for the benefit of East Hardy Public Schools. Sis and I thought we should attend.
Travesty #1.
In March, 2015 It was announced that East Hardy High School was the only high school in West Virginia recognized as West Virginia School of Excellence based upon receipt of both High Performing Awards School and High Progress Award School designations. TOP HIGH SCHOOL IN THE STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA, having received both of those awards.
At dedication of the new school, neither our Governor, Earl Ray Tomblin, nor our WV State Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Michael Martirano saw fit to acknowledge that academic achievement. President of Hardy County Board of Education, Loy Kesner and Hardy County Superintendent of Schools, Barbara Whitecotton never mentioned it either. Peggy Hawse representing Senator Manchin alluded to it. McKenzie Clark representing Senator Capito mentioned the award by name. Nobody seemed to care much about The WV School of Excellence getting a brand new school until Delegate Isaac Sponaugle congratulated students and faculty during his remarks.
Whether you consider that new school a reward for Excellence or as unnecessary since the Excellence award was achieved before the new school was built, Governor, President of the Board, and Superintendents of State and County Schools should have at least mentioned and tied the two events together. They didn’t. A travesty.
Travesty #2
Principal J. Bradley Simmons stepped to the microphone first. He welcomed all those attending and opened the program. That was the only time we saw him. His name was never mentioned.
Superintendent Whitecotton recognized and thanked numerous folks for their achievements in making the new school a reality. Never mentioned the man who maintained an education program through two years of disruptive construction. The single man who led faculty, staff and students through those uncomfortable times while coordinating with construction folks to make facilities and schedules click. The single man who worried more about students’ education than construction, yet made them both work together.
Not a word of thanks. Not by Superintendent Whitecotton or Board President Kesner. Brad Simmons needs an apology and public recognition for his work helping to make it all happen.
Travesty #3
Somewhere around forty three million dollars ($43,000,000) spent on two new schools in Hardy County. Hardy County Commission members were absent for both dedications. At least I saw none at East Hardy and inquiry turned up none at Moorefield later in the day.
They didn’t have to be on stage. They didn’t need to speak or take part in ceremonies for what they were not directly responsible for but they should have been there if for nothing more than to show how much they appreciate work and new schools in Hardy County. Appreciation for the load their constituents have shouldered to make it all possible. Appreciation for an addition to Hardy County which forms a major part of the economic base which folks depend for jobs in the future.
I’m sorry other interests kept you gentlemen elsewhere, but at least one of you three Commissioners should have made an effort.
