THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 27, 1996 TAG: 9610250217
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 20 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY BARBARA WOERNER, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: 87 lines
Cameron Auman, a fifth-grade student at John B. Dey Elementary school sat in the school's new computer lab with her eyes glued to the screen of a Macintosh LC 580 computer.
Her fingers moved across the keyboard while her right hand grasped the mouse. Auman's face tensed with a mix of concentration and nervousness as other students and their parents paused to watch her creation of a document on the screen.
``This is a certificate and I put that line right there so the principal could sign her name to it,'' said Cameron. ``After this is printed out, we could really use it.''
Cameron's demonstration of her acquired computer skills was a part of John B. Dey Elementary School's 40-year celebration and dedication event held at the school Oct. 16. Staff and students and their families packed the school auditorium to honor former staff and to dedicate the new school wing that houses the computer lab, media center, art room and several classrooms.
``So many people have touched our lives here at John B. Dey,'' Principal Betsy Taylor told the crowd. ``As we celebrate our 40th anniversary and dedicate our new additions, we reflect on those who have touched our lives and made such a difference.''
The school, started in 1956, is named after the former owner of the property on which it sits. Dey, a prominent farmer in Princess Anne County, served 17 years as the chairman of the county school board, from 1940 until his retirement in 1957. He was a member of the Princess Anne Board of Supervisors, Norfolk City Council and the Virginia House of Delegates. In 1956, the Princess Anne County School Board cited Dey's contributions to the social, religious and civic activities of the area by giving his name to the new school.
In continuation of that tradition, the evening's activities were dedicated to Lois Whaley, a former principal; Barbara Sloan, former computer teacher and the driving force behind both staff and students gaining computer literacy, and Clara Hardy, former school librarian.
``Each of these three women inspired students and staff and were positive role models,'' said Taylor.
A portrait of Whaley painted by Dana Nielsen was unveiled and currently hangs in the breezeway to the new wing. A cornerstone placed in her memory along with the portrait are daily reminders of the former principal who served students and staff.
``She set an example by her hard work and genuine love of the children here at our school,'' said Taylor.
It was Sloan's dream to have a computer lab equipped with state-of-the-art computers and staff proficient enough in computer knowledge to teach Dey's students. Now, the realization of her dream is seen in students, such as Cameron, who are at home with any one of the 30 new computers in the lab that bears her name. Teachers are currently being brought up to speed on the new computers, thanks to part of a recent grant the school received from the American Honda Foundation.
``I think about Barbara and how thrilled she would be with this,'' said Nancy Lodge, third-grade teacher at the school. ``She was John B. Dey's most enthusiastic computer advocate.''
Fifth-grader Bobby Linsley was viewing a computer screen full of dinosaurs in the Clara Hardy Media Center. Having just performed in the celebration and dedication ceremony with the school chorus, he shrugged off his tie and unbuttoned the collar of his shirt while his mother, Sarah stood watching him.
``This is my favorite room,'' said Bobby, prying himself away from the dinosaurs. ``I like everything here - the books and the computers.''
The media center features a smorgasbord of interactive possibilities through the Internet and CD-rom capabilities thanks to Hardy's diligence in laying a foundation of technological advancement.
``Clara Hardy always welcomed technology and always kept up with the latest technological advances up until her retirement,'' said Johnson.
Recognition also went to Joan Melton, a kindergarten teaching assistant at the school who amassed more than 33 years - and is still counting - of involvement. She received roses and met with a standing ovation from the packed crowd.
``I was very surprised,'' admitted Melton, who was off to see her new grandson in Ohio. ``I'm now seeing children of children that I used see in the lunch room.''
Melton's three children and three of her grandchildren attended school at Dey. She has served as room mother, PTA president, District PTA president, lunch room monitor and for 23 years as kindergarten teaching assistant.
``I love it here,'' she said. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by BARBARA WOERNER
Harrison Horton gets a name badge pinned on by Joan Melton during
the celebration of John B. Dey Elementary's 40th anniversary. Melton
was recognized for her 33 years of involvement with the school.
KEYWORDS: EDUCATION by CNB