Free Daily Headlines

News

Set your text size: A A A

Bearcat Nation pans county's decision

The county acted. The Bearcat Nation mourned.


That was the tone from the most passionate and vocal supporters of Hendersonville High School, who learned that the 90-year-old classroom building and auditorium would no longer be a part of HHS when a new school is built in the next four years.
Across social media, HHS alumni and Hendersonville people mostly panned the decision by the Board of Commissioners to build a new school for $53 million rather than renovate the historic structure designed by the renowned and prolific architect Erle Stillwell.
Bearcat alumni announced a demonstration of support for Hendersonville High School with a “circle of solidarity” at 5 p.m. Friday.
“We have the chance to show the community the strength of the Bearcat family,” a Facebook invitation said. “Our standard has been and always will be excellence.”
Bill Orr, a 1961 graduate and the current president of the HHS Alumni Association, was saddened when he watched the commissioners vote on Wednesday afternoon.
“I was disappointed, probably mad for 24 hours,” he said. “What’s past is past. We have to figure out how to support the students and we still need to raise money for scholarships. It’s a shame that the heart and soul of the education there — and that’s what that building is, whatever they want to say — is not going to be used. If they’ve never been there as a student they don’t understand.”
He said he had heard about the “circle of solidarity” Friday but did not plan to go.
“I think the students and people have a right to do that to show their displeasure,” he said. “I’m not sure what it’s for. I don’t think it’s to reverse the decision. There are a lot of ways to support for the school.”
The alumni association can contribute the most by supporting the students and making the best of the new path.
“A lot of people are disappointed right now and feeling sad but the intangible strong feeling we have will survive and as a member of the Alumni board I feel like it’s our responsibility to keep that spirit alive and we’re going to support them as much as we can,” he said.
As for the auditorium, Orr said he thought the school system should exceed the state recommended standard and build a new one seating at least 1,000 people.
Alumni and HHS supporters are turning to now to the façade and the overall exterior appearance of the new school.
During Wednesday’s Board of Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Michael Edney expressed support for the idea of blending the new school with the old architecture as much as possible.
“I think now the School Board will start working with the architect on design and the type of building that will complement the Stillwell building instead of distracting from it,” Orr said. “After the meeting I overheard one of the council members tell the lead architect that we want to tie this in to the old building. He nodded his head and said that could be done.”
In Facebook comments in the Hendersonville Lightning, HHS supporters expressed sadness and some anger.
“Do any of you think you can move the spirit of HHS to a new building?” another alumni from the class of 1962 said. “I truly hope so but have my doubts. There is something in that school that has turned out a ton of successful people who all remain loyal to the school, the memories and each other. Don't think education will ever be the same.”
But some commenters endorsed the commissioners’ decision.
“Great news,” one said. “Glad my taxes will be used to provide for the future and not saving the past. Retired people should not get a vote in these matters of the students in our county. School spirit comes from the heart not brick and mortar.”