SCHOOL HISTORY, ARTIFACTS WANTED

Lebanon Express, April 17, 2002

Former Students of any school in the Lebanon school system are being asked to search through their old papers and photographs for information that could be shared next month, which has been designated “Honoring Our Past Month” by Lebanon Community Schools.

“We are interested in anything from the past,” explained event coordinator Julie Lehnert.  “We’re looking for old pictures, newspaper articles, construction views, old student papers, honor rolls from years past, or stories about what students from Lebanon schools grew up to be.  Anything from the past would be welcome,” she said.

“We’re also looking for the oldest living student from each school, and we’ll ask them to walk in a short parade on June 7, along with the youngest student from each school.”

Historical information and artifacts should be submitted to the school to which they pertain, or to the Lebanon Community Schools district office, 485 S. 5^th St.  Artifacts might include old yearbooks, photographs, old textbooks, athletic uniforms and other memorabilia.  Materials will be used for school history displays in each school building and a permanent history exhibit will be developed at the district office.

“in 1995 there were nine school districts with 14 buildings serving students in the Lebanon area,” said Lebanon Community Schools Superintendent Jim Robinson.  “We have had one school district since July 1, 1995, and when school starts next fall, we will be down to eight schools, including two brand new buildings,” he added.

“Unification was a difficult and sometimes painful process,” Robinson said.  “It’s been accomplished and we have a new configuration of schools that will provide area students an opportunity for a high quality education in a cost-efficient manner.”

The purpose of designating May as “Honoring Our Past Month” is to celebrate the contributions of the many schools and school districts that served the Lebanon area in the past.  The June 7 activities will acknowledge the past and celebrate the bright future of Lebanon Community Schools.

“To make these events meaningful,” Lehnert said, “we need former students to share their history and artifacts with the community.”