Great Hearts Anthem [1] recently dedicated their long-awaited libraries, one for K-5 scholars and the other for 6-12 scholars. Zack Withers, Headmaster for the upper school, acknowledged the collaboration that brought the libraries to life. “This has been a long time coming,” he remarked during the ceremony. “When we first moved into this campus, the space said ‘library,’ but there were no books. Now, thanks to the effort of many, not only are our libraries filled with books, but we also have a system for checking them out, which will begin this year.”
Allison Strunka, the Parent Service Organization (PSO) Vice President and Library Committee Chair organized the event and adorned the entrances to the libraries with balloons arches, a “Grand Opening” banner, and a red ribbon that would be ceremoniously cut with larger-than-life scissors during the celebration.
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Withers and Teresa Clark, Headmaster of the lower school, both addressed the students, faculty, and parents that attended, crowded together in the academy’s long hallway. Withers extended his gratitude to the Anthem Prep [1] community, including the students who played a key role in the project. Juniors and seniors were particularly instrumental in this endeavor, and their work was honored during the ceremony.
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Clark, who had dreamed of a beautiful library for the school, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the realization of that dream. “It’s been a long-time dream of mine… to have a beautiful library, and now we do.”
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The ceremony also highlighted the leadership of specific students who took charge of the project. Lydia Luehrs [5], a senior, was recognized for her role as the driving force behind the effort. Alongside her, students Esther Hodge and Brielle Williams received special acknowledgment for their contributions. Through their initiatives and efforts, the libraries were not only filled with books, but the team put systems into place that organized, cataloged, and tracked the valuable resources. Plaques were awarded to these students as a symbol of their dedication and leadership.
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“Today, we gather to celebrate a remarkable milestone in our school’s journey—the dedication of our new classical library,” said Luehrs as she addressed the attendees from the podium. “This space is more than just a collection of books. It is a sanctuary of knowledge, a beacon of curiosity, and a testament to our commitment to academic excellence. Together, we have created a space that will inspire generations of students to come. Let us celebrate this achievement and look forward to the countless stories, discoveries, and adventures that will unfold within these walls.”
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The event concluded with a ceremonial ribbon cutting. Hodge and Williams had the honor of cutting the ribbon for the Archway Library, while Luehrs cut the ribbon for the Prep Library.
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While the event was a celebration of the physical spaces, it was also a celebration of the Great Hearts Anthem’s spirit of collaboration and student empowerment. As Withers noted, “This project was an extension of mentorship, allowing students to take on something they were passionate about and lead the way.”
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