by S. Rotan Hale
The auditorium at what’s now known as Lucy Addison Middle School was filled with the spirit of the mighty Bulldog on Saturday, Sept. 12 for the much anticipated unveiling of the Lucy Addison High School Monument Wall (LAHSMW).
A near capacity crowd gathered at the venue to witness this historic occasion held to honor the school’s many graduates and pay tribute to Miss Lucy Addison (1861-1937), founder of the high school that bears her name.
Among the dignitaries on program was City Councilwoman Anita Price who consecrated the project through a proclamation from the city declaring “Lucy Addison Monument Wall Day” in the City.
RCPS superintendent Dr. Rita Bishop, spoke on the significance of the Monument Wall and how it highlights the legacy of the school. She announced the establishment of a student essay contest based on research gleaned from the names inscribed on the Wall.
“The Lucy Addison legacy is amazing and as we look at the names on the Wall, they are the history of our city, our nation and our world,” said Dr. Bishop who also mentioned city plans to revitalize the school’s aerospace program that she said involve significant help from NASA.
Senator John Edwards was also present as well as Dr. Robert Johnson who presently serves as school principal. Dr. Johnson briefly talked about the students being equipped with “the sense of pride, the sense of community, the sense of relationship and the sense to get a great education while in this school.”
Throughout its 45-year history, the famed high school for Blacks, formed in 1928, produced countless numbers of graduates of superior caliber who continue to exemplify the highest standards of dignity, respect and industriousness. Many have gone on to become well-respected leaders in various fields throughout the world.
As president of the LAHSMW board, Mae Huff (Class of ’67) one of several local educators and past school board members welcomed everyone to the program that led to the official unveiling. Although lasting over 2 hours, the program was energized with brief stories told by 6 panel members who basically expounded on how the LAHS experience enhanced their lives. Warren Manns (Class of ’61) was moderator.
Among the first to speak was Dr. Florence Farley, (Class of ’46) who has led an illustrious multi-level career. Farley holds the dual distinction of being the first clinically licensed African American psychologist in Virginia and the first African American woman to be mayor of Petersburg, VA. In addition to her many accomplishments Dr. Farley is an incredibly skilled crochet artist. Among her many captivating pieces is one of her beloved alma mater Lucy Addison High School.
Dr. Farley, who was born in 1928 the year the school opened said, “Today we must free ourselves of all worldly concerns (racial injustice et al.) and just celebrate and share our unique collective past for this Wall says it all.”
Other panel participants included: LAHS faculty member Delores Broady; Gloria Manns, (Class of ’66), professional counselor; Beverly Burks (Class of ’57), teacher/counselor; Patricia Moore Harbour (Class of ’59), educator/administrator and author and local podiatrist Dr. Conrad Claytor, (Class of ’73).
Louise Bond-Cheatham, one of the principle facilitators and a key advisor to the Wall project, spoke of the legacy of Miss Lucy Addison and the school that bears her name. She mentioned several great and memorable faculty members as Sadie Lawson, Gertrude Scott, Percy Giddings and coach Fred Lawson. Also recognized was coach Charles L. Price who led the Addison Bulldogs to many championships. Price traveled from his home in Alexandria, VA for the momentous occasion.
Through prepared remarks Bond-Cheatham said. “The Monument Wall will be added to the pages of history and will go forward in time for years and decades to come.”
She further detailed how the project went from a concept (developed March 2013) to the majestic monument that presently stands as a historic symbol of African American achievement and serves as testament to the indelible legacy of Lucy Addison High School.
The dynamic guest speaker was Dr. Lloyd Hackley (Class of ’58) a world-class educator, administrator and motivator whose resume is nothing short of remarkable. His many academic degrees (multi-level) have allowed him to head 5 universities, chair many boards and organizations and continues to span the globe in his efforts to inculcate the masses.
The Wall committee deserves an +A for choosing such a seasoned academic soldier who strategically delivered a most timeless and critical message which is proudly featured in its entirety in this week’s Roanoke Tribune.
