Photo Credit: Luis “Cacho” Torres for SBHS
(Wilson, N.C.) – November 25, 2024 – Sallie B. Howard School marked a significant milestone last Thursday with the dedication of its recently installed courtyard and playground.
The ceremony, hosted by the SBH Board of Directors, featured a ribbon-cutting for a 10-foot arch sculpture, the presentation of a “Friendship Bench” in memory of beloved SBH staff member Vanessa Daughtridge, and a surprise unveiling of a bronze plaque honoring Dr. JoAnne Woodard, SBHS founder and executive director.
Various community leaders, parents and stakeholders came together on a sunny November afternoon to reflect on the school’s past and celebrate the realization of a vision that began almost three decades ago.
The program began with a brief reception in the high school band room. SBH Board member Rev. Maurice Barnes welcomed the guests with reflections and prayer. The middle school chorus, directed by vocal instructor Jeremy Herring, performed the classic song “I Want to Know What Love Is.”
Then high school students Tegan El Jaouhari and Marisol Marquez Cazarin shared personal testimonies of how the arts and science at Sallie B. Howard have impacted their lives.
Marisol shared that the kind of education she’s receiving as a biotechnology major was not accessible to her mom who sacrificed so that Marisol could have better opportunities. Tegan, a theatre major, explained that acting is his “safe space” and has boosted his confidence and made him a better student.
Following the students, SBH Board member Bob Worthington recognized several key individuals who made the courtyard possible: architect Russ Woods; general contractor Bill Farrior and superintendent Pete Vick; playground equipment supplier Hudson Veal and Ingrid Kanics; landscape contractor Michael Peaden; arch designer and sculptor Jonathan Burger; garden designer Vision Design Collaborative; and plaque designer Capital Sign Solutions.
After these acknowledgements, guests were invited to move outside to the courtyard for the remainder of the program. As the family of Vanessa Daughtridge looked on, Dr. Woodard explained the meaning behind the “Friendship Bench,” which was inspired by a study abroad trip to South Africa in 2019. During a visit to a local school there, Dr. Woodard discovered that there was a special bench you could sit on if you felt sad and needed a friend. Someone would sit next to you and comfort you if they saw you on that bench. The “Friendship Bench” in the SBH courtyard has the same meaning and is attributed to the kindness and love that Ms. Daughtridge gave to all who crossed her path.
Also unique to the playground is a metal arch that bears the word “Inspire” in English, Swahili and Spanish. Assistant director Sandeep Aggarwal prefaced the ribbon-cutting for the arch with heartfelt words about the profound impact that Sallie B. Howard School has had on his life and how he is proud to have been a part of the vision. He also noted that the ashes of the late Sallie Baldwin Howard are resting in the playground, underscoring the notion that Mrs. Howard is always with us.
SBH Board Chair Geraldine Dew rounded out the presentations with the reveal of a special plaque from the Board that is mounted on a concrete pillar near the arch. Dedicated to Dr. Woodard, the plaque inscription reads: “In gratitude for the lives you have touched through your selfless service to our beloved school and the children of this community. The world is a better place because of you.”
Reacting to the surprise, Dr. Woodard was emotional. “I want to thank the Board, the leaders and all involved for this moment. This means a lot to me.”
The creation of this special moment was actually two years in the making. Worthington, a long-time general contractor who was instrumental in the design and construction of the SBHS building back in 2001, had the idea to replace the trailers that at the time housed the middle school classes.
“We wanted a beautiful space with a playground and equipment that’s inclusive and usable by all elementary students,” says Worthington. “The courtyard would serve as the main entry into the gym and the rest of the campus buildings. The amphitheater-style area would allow classes to hold lessons outdoors or watch movies.”
The addition of the courtyard and playground has enhanced SBH’s campus by providing students with a serene outdoor space for learning, play, and reflection. It is one of many exciting developments to come for Sallie B. Howard School.
About Sallie B. Howard School of Arts & Science
Sallie B. Howard School of Arts & Science, a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School, is a free, public charter school founded in 1997 in Wilson, N.C. that serves 1,200 students in grades K-12. Named after the legendary author, educator, playwright and actress Sallie Baldwin Howard, SBHS is dedicated to ensuring that every child – privileged or underprivileged – gets the kind of education that will allow them to become more than they ever thought they would be. With a performing arts-based curriculum, a study abroad program that has brought hundreds of children to nearly all 7 continents, a culturally diverse faculty and student body, and the addition of a high school, Sallie B. Howard School is preparing its students to become 21st century industry leaders both locally and globally.
Media Contact:
Saptosa Foster – Chief Communications Officer | Sallie B. Howard School of Arts & Science
sfoster@sallieb.net – 252-293-4150
