CHESTERTOWN — Radcliffe Creek School hosted a community celebration and plaque unveiling on Dec. 3 to recognize the State of Maryland and local leaders whose support made the school’s new roof possible.
The event honored Jay Jacobs, Kent County’s delegate to the Maryland General Assembly, and his team for their advocacy and leadership in securing the funding. Also recognized were the other members of the 36th District delegation — Sen. Stephen Hershey (Upper Shore), Del. Steven Arentz (Queen Anne’s) and Del. Jeff Ghrist (Caroline) — who supported the initiative.
Also in attendance were Chestertown Mayor-elect Meghan Efland, representatives from the Radcliffe Creek School board of trustees, families, students, faculty and supporters, including members of the school’s Keepers of the Creek Giving Society.
Founded in 1996, Radcliffe Creek School is a K-8 private school in Chestertown that focuses on students with learning differences.
The school serves families throughout a broad region in Maryland as well as Sussex County in Delaware.
Earlier this year, Radcliffe Creek School received a $100,000 capital grant from the State of Maryland to replace the aging roof on its school building, described by school officials as “an investment in ensuring a safe, healthy and weather-secure learning environment.”
“This project represents the best of what can happen when community and state partners come together on behalf of children,” Jennifer Durham, head of school, said in a news release.
“A safe, secure school building is foundational to everything we do here,” she said. “The state’s support has given our students a roof that protects them, but also a message that their education matters, and that they matter.”
Del. Jacobs, Durham and trustee Brennan Starkey delivered remarks, while students gave speeches, performed onstage and played music.
A banner, signed by all students and teachers, hung on the building to thank the 36th District delegation for their support.
At the conclusion of the event, the school unveiled a commemorative plaque that will be permanently installed on the building to honor the State of Maryland and the legislators who championed the project.
“We are grateful beyond words for this investment,” Director of Advancement Carolyn Thompson said in the news release. “This project would not have been possible without the extraordinary support of our state partners. All of us at Radcliffe Creek remain grateful to the legislative delegation — Senator Hershey, Delegate Jacobs, Delegate Arentz and Delegate Ghrist — for their efforts.”
