Low turnout for 2025 ELM Day was disappointing
To the editor:
This letter is regarding the Edward Lee McClain Day that took place on Saturday, Sept. 27. My husband and I attended this event as two of the eight invited guests of my parents, Linda and Larry “Rock” Roosa.
What could have been a wonderful event turned out to be dismal at best. The attendance was pathetic with perhaps 10 people there, excluding the school administration and the Roosa family members.
I was told the superintendent and the Alumni Association oversaw the planning of ELM Day. The superintendent was there, but where were the Alumni Association members? For that matter, where were the school board members? Where were the teachers, students and parents? Where was the community?
My father is a 1955 graduate of ELM and founder of ELM Day. He worked for weeks to prepare a speech he was asked to give and drove 350 miles to attend. The only part of his speech I can recall is, “Where is Greenfield?”
I was embarrassed for him, the McClains and those few who were there to represent the school, including the three high school students. I also couldn’t help thinking, “What a huge, missed opportunity to show off these beautiful school buildings and showcase the students who attend here.”
It was quite apparent that no planning went into this event other than to assign a date and time, print off programs, lay out some memorabilia and set up some water bottles as refreshments.
One of the three high school students in attendance said no announcements had been made at school that week and the ELM Day banners were never hung. The only excuses I could come up with for this were either those in charge don’t really care, it was too much of a burden to plan such an event, or they have, over time, taken what they have been given for granted. Why not form an ELM Day committee which could consist of school administration, educators, alumni, Greenfield Historical Society and businesses? In this way, responsibilities could be delegated to different people.
It is my understanding Edward Lee McClain Day is July 17 and is supposed to be celebrated on the following weekend. Why was it moved to Homecoming weekend, of all weekends? By doing so, any expectations of high school students attending were eliminated. I was told there were several other activities happening in Greenfield that day which would certainly decrease attendance at ELM Day also. For all the good that Edward Lee McClain and Lulu McClain did for the community of Greenfield, especially building such a beautiful, remarkable high school, one would think those in charge would adhere to the designated day that was set in which to honor them. In doing so, much more could be incorporated into ELM Day to make it such a wonderful event with much involvement and a greater number in attendance.
The day could have started with a parade where the elementary school and high school were represented, as well as the marching band. A street fair could take place with food, crafts, face painting, and games for children. There could even be an Edward Lee and Lulu look-alike contest.
The auditorium would have been a wonderful place to hold this event and involve the student body. I’m sure the technology classes could develop a wonderful video of the history of the school for guests to watch. I’m sure the high school choir could sing a song or two, including the school’s alma mater. I’m sure the concert band could play a couple songs. It would also be wonderful if guests could hear the pipe organ being played. I would have loved to have been able to hear it.
If the Alumni Association were involved, where were they? What part did they have in the planning process?
I could continue with the list of possibilities, but will close with this question: In order to show respect and appreciation for “The Gift” that the McClains gave to Greenfield, in order to do the most good to the greatest number for the longest of time, don’t they deserve more than 10 guests and a bottle of water?
Sincerely,
Deirdre Roosa Grigsby