Second Place: Eva Kay Leppert - High School: A Beloved Part of the Neighborhood, Julia Ewan School, Lexington
On the corner of Henry Clay Boulevard and Menifee Avenue in Lexington, Kentucky stands an old, brick building full of memories that can never be erased. The building demands that I reminisce about kids playing dodge ball in the gym, running on the playground, or participating in the ever-longed-for field day. This is the elementary school I not only willingly, but cheerfully walked to for four years, and rode the bus to for three years. This is the elementary school I attended for seven years of my life.
Walking to school with my sisters was always an adventure. We would stop by Joe’s Corner Superstore to pick up lunch. We would pick up friends, and make our way to school. This is a part of my live I wish would never become the past, but stay a part of the present forever. Now that I am in high school, and live in a different house in a different neighborhood, what was such a beloved part of my life has indeed become the past.
This elementary school was opened in 1909 to the public in Lexington, Kentucky. It was named Kenwick Elementary School because of the location and proximity to the Kenwick neighborhood. The principal of this elementary school made such an impact to this neighborhood, and to the city of Lexington, that the school’s name was changed to Julia R. Ewan Elementary School when she died. This information was given to every student and parent on orientation day because of its profundity, and this has added to the experiences I’ve had during my seven years of being a student at this school.
The types of memories I had from my elementary school past should never be kept from another child. Walking through the Kenwick neighborhood, from which the school was previously named, every morning was a great way to start my days, weeks, and school years. Around 39,400 students passed through the doors of Julia R. Ewan Elementary School in the 99 years it was open to every pre-school to 6th grade student in the neighborhood. It was a magnet school for the “Quest Program,” in which students deemed gifted and talented could participate. It had an art program, a music program, and a fitness program; anything for the well being of the students.
When the closing of this beloved elementary school was announced, many people were very upset. There have since been many forums on the internet, and discussions among the people concerning the destination of the building that have held thousands of young children. The people of the neighborhood hope it becomes a museum or a playground for children; something to keep the neighborhood nice, quiet, and environmentally friendly.
This essay and photograph 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.