WOW! That’s all I can say. While attending the annual breakfast honoring Danville Schools’ retirees last week, we were entertained by a group representing the DHS choir—essentially a preview of the Christmas concert coming up on Thursday, December 13. The concert Thursday will also feature the DHS band. It begins at 7:00 in Gravely Hall at DHS. See you there!
Speaking of the band, I received a lovely note from Alan Jacobus, DHS Class of 1970. I had previously mentioned my former band director, Chuck Campbell. Alan was in band at the time when Mr. Campbell was working band camps and got to know him as well. My response to Alan was that, at the time, Danville under Bill Gravely and Clark County under Chuck Campbell were two of the best band programs in the state. And they were. But his correspondence reinforces how powerful teachers can be in making a difference in the lives of the students they work with.
I also have been pleasantly surprised at the response to our announcement that we are trying to reenergize the Distinguished Alumni Award. So far, we have received four nominations—some dating back to the 1940s. That’s over and above the folks I have run into at the grocery, bank, or courthouse who tell me they have someone to nominate. That’s great! The histories of both Danville and Bate high schools are rich in tradition and many alums have gone on to make their marks in their chosen fields of profession. This is a means to honor them for their accomplishments. If you have someone in mind, the contact information appears at the end of the column.
We have already met two of our officers. In our series of introductions to the foundation board, let’s meet the other two: Gail Wright, secretary, and Loudetta Robertson, treasurer.
Gail moved to Danville in 1976 from New York. Her husband at the time was teaching at Centre College. In 1980, Gail started working in the Danville Schools where she served until 2011. Gail spent seven years at Toliver in both the G/T position (for the district) and in fourth grade. In 1987, the district created Elementary Counselor positions and she finished her career in that role for 24 years at Jennie Rogers Elementary.
Gail has one daughter, Jennifer, who attended DHS, who, after earning her Bachelors and Masters degrees, is now married with one little boy, living in Arlington, Massachusetts and working in Boston.
Gail has been on the foundation board since retiring in 2011 and has been secretary the entire time.
Loudetta is a 1972 graduate of Danville High School. She went on to graduate from Eastern Kentucky University with Bachelor of Arts in Accounting.
Loudetta has worked in the accounting field for more than 30 years. Past positions include: Controller - Council of State Governments; Controller - Computrex; Senior Financial Analyst - RR Donnelley; Assistant Controller - Quad Graphics; Accounting Manager - Panasonic; and Accounting Manager - Lincoln Manufacturing USA. She also has her own tax practice at home.
Loudetta has a strong passion for Danville School system and Danville Alumni. She likes to think outside of the box and feel that we need to be flexible in educating our youth - since we are all not cut from the same cookie cutter.
Contact me any time with questions about the Foundation. posborne@danville.kyschools.us. And as always, Go Ads.
This article originally appeared in the December 11th, 2018 edition of The Advocate-Messenger.