Who is Lenoir? (US census bureau--2011)
With a population of 18,091....
...we have 12 elementary schools, 4 K-8 schools, 4 middle schools, 5 high schools. These schools are all around the county, and have their own histories and legacies.. they hold and teach 22.8% of our population.
All of us, even myself have the wonderful memories, the scary memories, bad memories and fun memories of grade school, starting in Kindergarten and going through Seniors in high school. We all had the time in our lives that we wanted to skip school because of a test or avoiding an assignment. We had those days of getting in trouble in gym class because you didn't bring tennis shoes to class. We had those days of nervously waiting for class to start, because we didn't know what was to come. But we also had those days of being excited to see our friends, say hey to a teacher and of course eager to learn. For most everyone, there were those classes or teachers that helped you create a family full of friends that would hold memories with you forever.
Loving Lenoir took place for the 2nd time. Hibriten band alumni joined the current band to play the fight song, the alma mater, and other stand music. We stood proud with students as we remembered the wonderful days we all once had together in this exact spot. I remember days in band like it was yesterday. I started at WLMS with Mr. Whitener as he taught us how to put our instrument together. This moved on learning grade 1 and 2 music as we prepared for our first concert. And from that day on, we began a journey that none of us knew the destination or things we would go through together. A band family was created. Three of my best friends were developed because of band. As I was approaching my 8th grade year, we learned that Mr. Whitener would be stepping down with us as we walked onto high school.
Now starting high school was a whole new story. Not everyone from middle school band would be in high school band, but a new family would be molded and created. My first day of band camp, I can remember thinking..."how in the world am I going to learn ALL of this music", but with help of upperclassmen and other band directors, Mr. Witcher helped us join the HHS band. We learned traditions and legacies of the HHS band and jumped right in, learning grade 6 music to take to festival. As a large freshman class, we made new friendships and peers that we would walk with each day in years to come. Some of my best friends resulted in being a member of the HHS band. Freshman year came to and end, and we were on the hunt for a new band director. Mr. Townsend joined us for my remainder three years of high school.
High school was not an easy time for me, I was under the weather more days than I really wish to count. For me, it was my band family that was standing by my side through every sickness, pain, and joy. As I graduated in a class of 200 some people, my band family of 15 or so, we made an impact on each other. High school band was not just about the talent that was present, but more so the enjoying friendships and family that was created.
Saturday morning the Loving Lenoir event continued as a few gathered at the Unity Park and Caldwell Community Gardens to led a helping hand in working in the garden. The mission of the garden is to help the community grow through planting, tending, harvesting, and sharing of fresh, local foods. Being there wasn't about showing others or getting recognition, it was about sharing the love. As a Christian, I have always been taught to love everyone and that includes the rich AND the poor. A lot was accomplished, but much more work needs need to be done weekly. I was the youngest at this service project and I know I was sore the next day, so I can only imagine what the others felt like on Sunday. An event like this shouldn't be something that we have to make ourselves go to, it should be something we WANT to go to. Yes, it was at 9am in the morning, but at least we had a warm and dry place to sleep the night before.
The day went on, and I did things around town with my dad. Late afternoon, Eston and I went uptown to the Downtown Car Show, saw the Hot Wing Cookoff, and walked through the Cornhole Competition. The town was popping with crowds of all ages, and it really felt like a special place to be part of. Many people whine about Lenoir not having anything, but then they don't take part in these wonderful events.
Saturday night concluded with a all class, teachers and principals of Hibriten reunion at Alibis and while it was enjoyable it would have been nice to know someone besides my parents and boyfriend. The attendance was fair, but the representation of the 2000's classes was poor.
Needless to say, the weekend was wonderful. I love seeing people I knew and especially be part of a wonderful family event. Everyone should plan to come next year, as I will hope to be part of again. You never can know if you will be around each year, so come back and support good 'ole Lenoir as you remember the good, bad, ugly, and wonderful of your years growing up. My roots are from Lenoir, and they will forever be... so happy to be part of a town that cares about the traditions and legacies of the past. :)
...its all about being part of a wonderful Family!
