BARBARA A. HARVEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GROUNDBREAKING HELD
BY MWEZI DAKE write4living@yahoo.com
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Barbara A. Harvey Elementary School to be built at 8610 115th Avenue East in Parrish was held July 31, 2018. The ceremony brought together dignitaries, Manatee County School Board members, past and present as well the many people in the community who have been blessed and affected in a positive way by Barbara Harvey over more than fifty years. Master of Ceremonies was Michael Barber, Director of Communications followed by opening prayer by Rev. Terry L. Cary, Sr. of Harvest Field Community Church, Parrish. Barber asked the crowd who thought the day would be raining and the entire audience raised their hands and then with laughter, Barber said,
“You must not know the power when Ms. Harvey prays.”
Rev. Cary spoke of Harvey’s lifelong dedication to children and families all over the county over the years with such a posi Continued on Page 7 tive and loving care and concern. Rev. Cary said, “May this school always be a place of truth and wisdom.” Cynthia Saunders, Superintendent of Manatee County School District asked the crowd to please stand if they were family or friends of Ms. Harvey with the entire crowd standing giving a round of applause for Harvey.
Saunders went on to say,
“This honor couldn’t have happened to a better person. We promise you this; this school will be a school you are proud of. Ms. Harvey was on the School Board when I came to Manatee County and I am grateful for all she’s done for me and the support she’s given not only to me but to so many others. We are proud to name this school after Barbara Harvey.”
Dr. Scott Hopes, School Board Chair of the School board of Manatee County had this to say, “It is so fitly and impressive that we had the task of naming this new elementary school after Ms. Harvey. She is a career educator, and has spent a lifetime preparing students for a better future. She touches lives, instills love and care upon every child she touches. She takes the time to talk to the children, to motivate them to success that they are entitled to.” Hopes went on to say,” Every child who attends this school will know the story and history of Barbara A. Harvey, that if you work hard, you too can have your dreams come true. To know her story is to be motivated.” Gary Huggins, Executive Vice President of NDC Construction said, “We want to thank you for all you’ve done. I’ve been here for twenty years; she is a mainstay for the children of Manatee County.” Dr. Stanley, longtime friend and colleague of Harvey and Johnny Hunter Sr. presented a bouquet of pink roses from Pathways Christian Fellowship Church where Harvey attends. Dr. Stanley said, “Harvey is a Prayer Warrior and will pray wherever and when ever Stanley concluded with, “These roses will fade but we know that she will remain strong in her quest.” Barbara Harvey spoke to the crowd with these words, “I don’t think I’ve done anything great to earn this. I have been blessed to have G-d give me the opportunity to work in the place where I am passionate about. I want you all to know this is the day that G-d has made. Isn’t it wonderful when you know that there’s a plan for your life? If there’s a child involved, then what you’re doing is special. That’s where G-d put me, in the lives of children and their families. I want to see every child moving towards their goals and excellence. When a child knows the Lord, and is given a quality education, there is no room for failure.” Harvey admonished the crowd to begin to instill a love of learning and reading by reading to a child while still in utero. Harvey thanked her Sorority Sisters for their support and friendship over the many years. Harvey said, “Do something for children. Buy a school uniform, buy a book, read to children, volunteer. I expect each and every one of you in this audience to be a part of this school, come and volunteer when it opens.” Harvey said, “I’m amazed I am here today. When I began teaching in Manatee County, the Black children in this area (Parrish) had to take the bus and pass by two white schools just to get to the only school open for them. Now, here we are and Parrish is a lovely place to live and now all the children can attend an excellent school right here.” The elementary school which will bear the name of Barbara A. Harvey is a tribute, honor and mark of the legacy Harvey has written in her career, passion, caring, love and leadership over the course of decades by her hard work and dedication to the children in Manatee County. Harvey’s dedication goes far beyond the school with her name on it. Harvey has held and continues to hold the torch high and burning brightly for others to follow in her footsteps and mission. Congratulations to Barbara A. Harvey, truly a light which cannot be hid, high on a mountain lighting the way for so many. Blessing for the School was spoken by Rev. Fletcher Lawson Sr., Pastor of the St. Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church, Parrish.
