Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, October 6, 1994 TAG: 9410060026
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: MELISSA DeVAUGHN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
Connie Lowe, president of the PTAs at both schools, told the Montgomery County School Board that renaming an existing school after the Holmes family, who taught predominantly in Montgomery County for a combined 100 years, would be too expensive and bad for student and faculty morale.
"Changing the school's name after almost 20 years as CHS and CMS could and would upset too many people," Lowe said. "Every middle and high school in this county is named for the location, not a person."
In September, members of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People proposed changing the name of either the middle or high school to Holmes Middle School or Holmes High School, in honor of three black educators - Zedikiah, Zimri and Rosa Holmes. This action came after the new Blacksburg Elementary School was named after Mae and Florence "Pat" Kipps. The two sisters, who used to own part of the property where the new school is located, taught in Blacksburg all their adult lives.
"These three educators were born in the same area - Cambria - and significantly contributed to the educational well-being and the cultural enhancement of the peoples of Montgomery County," Oscar Williams an NAACP member, said at a Sept. 6 board meeting.
Lowe said she has no doubts that the Holmeses were excellent teachers, but disagrees with the proposal and says it would be an unnecessary cost for the county.
"Everything that says CHS or CMS would have to be revamped: band, cheer-leading, any sports uniforms, all school club information and logos," she said.
Lastly, said Lowe, renaming an existing school would set an unsettling precedent in the county.
"Where would it end?" she asked. "When will another group request the same thing?"
Two high school students also spoke during the public address, saying that they, too, think renaming the schools would be unwise.
A School Board committee was set up last month to consider the NAACP request, but so far, no plans have been finalized, said board member Bob Goncz.
"Our plan is to get in touch with the people who made the request and find out more about their reasons and specifically why they want the school renamed," Goncz said Wednesday. "But we really haven't had any formal discussions."
by CNB