Students join in dedication of White River

White River Elementary School children joined teachers, staff, school administrators, and guests at the January 23 dedication of their school.

About 400 people attended the program which featured songs by the school's Choir Connection, a history of the White River by Student Council members, a history of education in Noblesville by School Board Member Ed McMahon, and a story of eagles by Media Services Coordinator Marge Cox.

Three students - Emily, Will, and Phillip - were called to the podium at one part of the program to accept a plaque given to the school by their grandfather, Garrick Mallery.

Mr. Mallery, who sold the White River property to Noblesville Schools, gave the school the original sheepskin deed which was signed by President James Monroe. The deed was framed in wood taken from the old barn that had stood on the property until it was removed to make room for the school.

Mr. Mallery noted that the parcel of ground would have become a part of the Erie Canal had plans for the canal not been dropped by the State of Indiana. Work on the canal had already started northeast of the site, but the state went bankrupt before the project was completed.

During the dedication program, several people were honored for their work in preparing the building for students.

The school district honored Dennis Wyatt for his dedicated work toward the completion of the facility.

Bob Harvey received a plaque from School Board President Jeff Whitman recognizing Mr. Harvey as White River's first principal. Duane Odle, president of The Odle McGuire & Shook Corp., presented a plaque to the school on behalf of his company.

Mr. Harvey recognized his faculty and staff, honored Roger Craft, White River's maintenance supervisor, in particular, and recognized assistant superintendents Dr. Lynn Lehman and Mr. Dave Wallace.

"School design is changing in response to changes in needs of communities and educational programs. A key word to the planning and design of our school is flexibility," Mr. Harvey said.

"In contrast to rigid and fixed spaces, White River features space that is adaptable to present and future changes. White River's design recognizes the special needs of such programs as music, art, technological applications, and the accommodation of community use, as well as before and after-school programs and child care," he said.

But, Mr. Harvey emphasized, a facility does not educate students.

"Only the very best teachers and support staff, who understand the application and utilization of such facilities, will truly develop and enhance our students' educational knowledge," he said.

"We have assembled an outstanding faculty and staff here at White River. They are child-centered, professionally focused, and proudly represent our school community."