Edward Lee McClain Day celebrated in Greenfield
Lead Summary
By
The Highland County Press-
GREENFIELD – Greenfield City Manager Ron Coffey, along with John Wilson, president of the McClain Alumni Association, and Larry “Rock” Roosa from the McClain High School class of 1955, took center stage Sunday afternoon for a special presentation at the annual Greene Countrie Towne Festival.
Coffey read a joint proclamation from Greenfield Village Council Chair Betty Jackman and Highland County Commissioners Jeff Duncan, Tom Horst and Shane Wilkin, recognizing July 17 as Edward Lee McClain Day.
Coffey, noting that last year was the centennial celebration of McClain High School, read the following proclamation:
Whereas, Education is a crucial component of sound citizenship; and,
Whereas, Edward Lee McClain recognized this and contributed greatly to local Education more than 100 years ago; and,
Whereas, Edward Lee McClain High School welcomed its first students in September 1915 with Frank Raymond Harris serving as Principal; and,
Whereas, Edward Lee McClain High School today is designated as an Ohio Historical Society Landmark; and,
Whereas, Education remains as vital today to our young citizens and future leaders as it was in 1915; and,
Whereas, Edward Lee McClain High School is beginning its second century of providing a quality Education for the Greenfield Exempted Village School District students;
Therefore, BE IT RESOLVED that The Greenfield Village Council and The Highland County Board of Commissioners do hereby proclaim Sunday, July 17, 2016 as Edward Lee McClain Day in The Village of Greenfield and The County of Highland, and we encourage all citizens to recognize this man's lasting contribution to local Education.
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Following Coffey’s presentation, Wilson thanked everyone in attendance and encouraged McClain graduates and local businesses to contribute to an estimated $14,000 fundraising campaign for two white marble busts of Edward Lee McClain and his wife, LuLu, to be placed at McClain High School.
Wilson also kicked off the fundraiser with a $1,000 donation from the McClain Alumni Association.
Roosa, of Newport, Tenn., who suggested the marble busts last summer, then read from a prepared statement.
“Welcome, and thank you all for coming to celebrate the festival and the initial Edward Lee McClain Day. It is good to be back in Greenfield again. I am privileged, honored and proud to be a part of Edward Lee McClain Day.
“Today, the village of Greenfield is once again making history. In proclaiming July 17 an annual Edward Lee McClain Day event, in so doing, Greenfield is adding to the history and legacy of both the McClains and the high school. The "gift" as it is called, that gave so much to so very many, will continue to give for generations to come.
“I would like to thank Ron Coffey, city manager; Betty Jackman, chairwoman of the village council; the council members; and the commissioners of Highland County for their quick response and completion of the proclamations proclaiming Edward Lee McClain Day. Also, the Edward Lee McClain Day committee, Linda Penn, John Wilson, Ron Coffey, and high school Principal Jason Potts. They did a great job in putting this day together.
“Last, but not least, my good friend Rory Ryan, publisher and owner of The Highland County Press. We all thank you for your professional news coverage and interest in this event.
“I would ask that you all be as generous as possible for this fundraiser, as the McClains were generous to us.”
Anyone interested in making a donation may contact John Wilson or Ron Coffey. Additional information will appear in The Highland County Press.
Coffey read a joint proclamation from Greenfield Village Council Chair Betty Jackman and Highland County Commissioners Jeff Duncan, Tom Horst and Shane Wilkin, recognizing July 17 as Edward Lee McClain Day.
Coffey, noting that last year was the centennial celebration of McClain High School, read the following proclamation:
Whereas, Education is a crucial component of sound citizenship; and,
Whereas, Edward Lee McClain recognized this and contributed greatly to local Education more than 100 years ago; and,
Whereas, Edward Lee McClain High School welcomed its first students in September 1915 with Frank Raymond Harris serving as Principal; and,
Whereas, Edward Lee McClain High School today is designated as an Ohio Historical Society Landmark; and,
Whereas, Education remains as vital today to our young citizens and future leaders as it was in 1915; and,
Whereas, Edward Lee McClain High School is beginning its second century of providing a quality Education for the Greenfield Exempted Village School District students;
Therefore, BE IT RESOLVED that The Greenfield Village Council and The Highland County Board of Commissioners do hereby proclaim Sunday, July 17, 2016 as Edward Lee McClain Day in The Village of Greenfield and The County of Highland, and we encourage all citizens to recognize this man's lasting contribution to local Education.
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Following Coffey’s presentation, Wilson thanked everyone in attendance and encouraged McClain graduates and local businesses to contribute to an estimated $14,000 fundraising campaign for two white marble busts of Edward Lee McClain and his wife, LuLu, to be placed at McClain High School.
Wilson also kicked off the fundraiser with a $1,000 donation from the McClain Alumni Association.
Roosa, of Newport, Tenn., who suggested the marble busts last summer, then read from a prepared statement.
“Welcome, and thank you all for coming to celebrate the festival and the initial Edward Lee McClain Day. It is good to be back in Greenfield again. I am privileged, honored and proud to be a part of Edward Lee McClain Day.
“Today, the village of Greenfield is once again making history. In proclaiming July 17 an annual Edward Lee McClain Day event, in so doing, Greenfield is adding to the history and legacy of both the McClains and the high school. The "gift" as it is called, that gave so much to so very many, will continue to give for generations to come.
“I would like to thank Ron Coffey, city manager; Betty Jackman, chairwoman of the village council; the council members; and the commissioners of Highland County for their quick response and completion of the proclamations proclaiming Edward Lee McClain Day. Also, the Edward Lee McClain Day committee, Linda Penn, John Wilson, Ron Coffey, and high school Principal Jason Potts. They did a great job in putting this day together.
“Last, but not least, my good friend Rory Ryan, publisher and owner of The Highland County Press. We all thank you for your professional news coverage and interest in this event.
“I would ask that you all be as generous as possible for this fundraiser, as the McClains were generous to us.”
Anyone interested in making a donation may contact John Wilson or Ron Coffey. Additional information will appear in The Highland County Press.