Celebrating Community and Opportunity: The Ribbon Cutting of Clarke Elementary’s Full-Service Community School Family Resource Center
On December 3, 2024, Clarke Elementary School came alive with the buzz of celebration and possibility. The reason? The grand opening of the Family Resource Center, a vital part of the Clarke Elementary Full-Service Community School initiative.
From the moment I arrived, the sense of community was clear. A young student greeted me at the door, offering a warm and thoughtful welcome message they had carefully written. With a proud smile, they led me to the library, where the ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration were taking place.
The library was filled with people who care deeply about our schools and families—students, parents, teachers, elected officials, local business leaders, and other school partners. Students bustled around serving refreshments, showing that this day was not just for them but by them, too.
Krystle Lindsey, the Student U Community Schools Coordinator at Clarke Elementary, opened the ceremony with heartfelt remarks. She shared the purpose behind Community Schools, emphasizing the power of partnerships that make projects like the Family Resource Center possible. She spoke about how this center will benefit students and families and shared her dreams for an even brighter future for Clarke Elementary.
Mayor Melissa Elliott shared her excitement clearly as she highlighted the new food pantry within the Family Resource Center. Through a grant she championed, the pantry now boasts state-of-the-art refrigerators and will provide families with fresh produce every week.
Dr. C’Monee Wilkins, Clarke Elementary’s Principal, also shared her thoughts, reflecting on how the resource center has already started transforming community engagement at the school. Her enthusiasm set the tone for the many other local and state leaders who echoed the importance of partnerships between the public and private sectors in supporting schools.
The ceremony reached its most exciting moment when students gathered behind a ribbon in the hallway. With cheers and smiles, they cut the ribbon, officially opening the Family Resource Center.
Walking into the space was awe-inspiring. The center was thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of families. It included shelves stocked with food, a clothing and shoe closet, a computer station, laundry facilities, and even showers. It was more than just a room—it was a symbol of hope, care, and opportunity.
This ribbon cutting was a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together. Clarke Elementary’s Family Resource Center is more than a place—it’s a promise to students and families that they are supported, valued, and seen.
A heartfelt thank you to the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, the Mayor’s Office, Frank Sossamon, Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett, Vance County Schools’ cabinet members, Clarke Elementary School’s Beta Club representatives, the Mary Emma Evans Foundation, The Daily Dispatch, and everyone who attended and contributed to making this day so special.
