[around the] Here Comes Amelia Bedelia!
STJ History Lab Honors Former Teacher Head of School Melba Richardson says she always dreamed of a day when the school could have a history laboratory, where catalogued archives of current events and the school itself could be kept and protected for study in future years.
Herman Parish, author of the Amelia Bedelia children’s book series since 1993, and STJ assistant elementary principal Clare Simon (dressed as the Bedelia character) entertained elementary students last fall. Parish shared his inspiration for a number of the more popular volumes in the wellknown children’s book series.
That day arrived last fall when Saint James dedicated its new Fred Draper History Lab. Named for the beloved history teacher who taught at the school for 19 years, Richardson said the lab began with a “Pennies for the Past” campaign in 1996 and was completed through the generosity of students and their families, alumni, faculty, friends of Saint James School, and the Draper family. “Fred Draper is a walking encyclopedia of history,” said Richardson. “He is a master teacher… Our alumni remember him as someone who made history real for them, who opened their eyes to how exciting history can be.” Larry McLemore, a member of the Class of 2000 who currently teaches history at STJ, offered a personal tribute to his former teacher.
(l-r) Parents/volunteer coordinators Blake Clark and Kelly Kean are back for another successful year in the Wooden Horse, STJ’s own gift shop.
Wooden Horse Returns in New Location The Wooden Horse, STJ’s gift shop, returns to school this year – in new surroundings. Still in Leu Elementary, the “Horse” will now be housed in the fifth grade pod. The Wooden Horse sells a variety of items that may be purchased by the Saint James community, as well as the general public. Saint James parents Kelly Kean and Blake Clark voluntarily oversee operation of the shop, in addition to going to market, and further developing and organizing the store. Open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each weekday, the new location may be a special benefit to middle and high school students, who don’t have to walk as far to pick up a quick snack before athletic P.E., or an extra treat at lunch.
“Mr. Draper’s depth of understanding and the passion he brought to the classroom, inspired me—as it has so many others—to study history,” McLemore said. “He ignited my intellectual world.”
(l-r) Melba Richardson, Head of School, looks on while Fred Draper cuts the ribbon on STJ’s new History Lab. Mrs. Draper, who teaches in the middle school, stands ready to assist.
The new history lab is located on the upper level of the school’s Means Media Center. In addition to tables and comfortable chairs, the lab also features lockable, built-in glass cases to store and display historical relics.
The upstairs lab already contains a number of donated items, including a collection of political campaign pins that date back to William McKinley’s bid for President, a valuable coin collection, a civil war canteen and bayonet, and an original poll tax receipt dated 1908. Collected Saint James memorabilia includes a clock that stopped at the moment a 1996 tornado, in the pre-dawn hours, destroyed several STJ elementary classrooms; a 1976 quilt made by the school’s then-fifth graders to commemorate the U.S. Bicentennial; and an embroidered velvet cape worn by all Homecoming Queens during Saint James’ early years. “This is going to be a place where students can connect with their past,” said Draper.
“The money earned goes directly back to Saint James,” said Kelly Kean. “The store has been very successful, and it’s a lot of fun.” C o l u m n s s u m m er 2 0 1 0 8