"Restore, Renew, Rediscover Your Historic Neighborhood Schools!"

3rd Annual Preservation Week 2002 Photo-Essay Competition

Tick Tock! Tick Tock! Ring... Ring... Patter... Patter... Patter... those are the sounds tht echoed within the walls of the old Olive Hill High School on any school day from 1929-1994. The halls rang with laughter! The teachers were busy teaching math, science, English, reading, social studies, and oh no, WRITING! The kids were busy getting smarter, and the coaches were busy making kids into athletes.

However, a lot has changed since then. The pine wooden lockers where two people shared space and secrets are now rotten with rats living in them. The classrooms that used to be full of kids, are now full of dirt and broken glass. The gym once filled with the bounce, bounce, bounce of basketballs and the rah, rah, rah of cheers is now opened up to rain and snow. They used to beautiful wooden floor, now holds its own ceiling's ruins.

Of course, every one knows things get old and fade away. Sometimes they even have to be replaced. You know, like when people get old and retired. But, they still have a purpose for living. They do not dies just because they get replaced on a job. Yes, a new school was needed. However, the destruction of this monumental building doesn't have to exist. Sure, the building is old, but don't you think it deserves RESPECT? Have you ever heard the old saying respect your elders? So, please respect it by helping restore the strong walls, the beautiful wooden floors, and the huge windows that open their souls to the outside world and sunshine.

Do you ever support a good cause? Well, fixing up the old Olive Hill School Building is a good cause. Don't you think? If you have any doubt, here are some suggestions why we should fix it up.

First of all, this building is a historical monument. It was built in 1929. The 103 steps that lead up to this building from the center of Olive Hill is the main fascination of anyone who journeys through this small town. It has been said that the reason so many good athletes came from this school was due to the fact that they were physically conditioned from walking up and down those steps! Old pictures show masses of kids going up and down, up and down. Can you imagine? They even came off this hill for lunch. Although kids no longer come down those steps, masses of people perch on them every Fourth of July to watch the Homecoming Parade.

Secondly, this building holds a lot of memories. All the students, teachers, and books are gone, but their spirits live on inside those walls that now cry, "Help me! Help me!" Several ball players have played in the gym and you know some of them could have been in the NBA. So, where do you think all this talent started that made Olive Hill - Home of the Comets State Champs? In addition, check out all the teachers, doctors, and just plain good ol' family citizens that have come from the school.

Next of all, if you look beyond the ruins, you can see a restoration! The renewed classrooms could become busy offices. The renewed gym could become a cultural enrichment activity center filled with bouncing balls. Wouldn't the center be great for homecoming and class reunions? Cheers and laughter could once again echo within the walls of the old Olive Hill High School. The spirit of the good old school days could be rediscovered!

Finally, I know what you are thinking. You are thinking - how did a fourth grader from Carter City know what to write about the old Olive Hill High School. Well, let me tell you. I had the chance to visit the old school with my aunt two weeks ago. I didn't miss that opportunity! Honestly, you could feel the spirit of the people who have made and of those who continue to make Olive Hill a great community! In addition, Ms. Madeline Powell, President of the Olive Hill Historical Society, encouraged me to pursue my interest in the old school building when she realized I had submitted an editorial in the local paper.

Now, are you in doubt? Of course not. Now, you realize that it is time to renew the building that has loyalty embraced so many generations of learning. It is now time to rediscover the spirit that actually put Olive Hill on the map! Remember, this historical monument holds lots and lots of precious memories. More importantly, its renewal can turn future activities into more precious memories. Fortunately, (according to a recent newspaper article) Gov. Paul Patton's office has recently granted $150,000 to the Olive Hill Historical Society. This will restore the gym's roof. However, more funding is needed to restore, renew, and rediscover your Olive Hill Historic Neighborhood School. So, support a good cause and give a CHEER FOR THE OLD OLIVE HILL HIGH SCHOOL!

This essay and photograph(s) are the property of Preservation Kentucky, Inc. and Kentucky Heritage Council and that any use of the photo or essay must be approved by PK and KHC.