Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, October 25, 1994 TAG: 9410250069
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: MELISSA DeVAUGHN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
Kipps, 92 and confined mostly to a wheelchair, smiled in appreciation as the children gave her an honorary PTA membership, PTA pins, T-shirts, butterscotch candy and even a letter naming her the recipient of the Distinguished Educator Award. Mae's brother, Mike, also received some treats from the children.
The school is named after sisters Mae and Florence "Pat" Kipps, who taught in Montgomery County schools for a combined 75 years. Part of the land on which the school is built once was owned by the Kipps family.
"The recognition of Miss Kipps was the highlight of the day," Kipps Elementary principal Ray VanDyke said Monday. "Miss Mae particularly liked the little butterscotch candies and she immediately opened one and put it in her mouth."
The dedication began with a flag-raising ceremony under sunny, clear skies, followed by a welcome speech by the school's Student Council President, Megan Schwartz. Those adults who helped the project reach fruition - the principal, the architects, members of local governing bodies and Schools Superintendent Herman Bartlett - also addressed the audience.
"Miss Mae said to me several times throughout the day that this was such an honor for her," VanDyke said.
The high point came, VanDyke said, when members of the Kipps Committee - former Blacksburg High School teachers who have won teaching awards named in honor of the Kipps sisters - presented a portrait of Mae and Florence that will be hung in the school.
"[Miss Mae] had the most delightful expression on her face when they gave her that," VanDyke said. "Just seeing the portrait and seeing her expression when it was unveiled was really neat."
VanDyke said the children plan to record the history of their school by burying a time capsule in the school courtyard this week.
by CNB