Hannah Center at O'Neal School

From The Pilot June 24, 2011:

The Hannah Marie Bradshaw Activities Center was dedicated at The O'Neal School on Sunday, May 22, 2011.

Hannah Bradshaw was a 2005 graduate of The O'Neal Lower School and loved her school as a place that nurtured her curiosity, enthusiasm and spirit of friendship. Alan Barr, headmaster, welcomed the guests.

"We are very fortunate to have the support of families such as Stan and Jean Bradshaw, who became a part of the O'Neal family over 13 years ago," he said.

The Hannah Center is the focal point of The O'Neal School, housing a theater, gymnasium, a fitness center and four classrooms. The theater has allowed O'Neal to expand its offerings in the fine arts program and to become a cultural center for the community.

"In staying involved at O'Neal, we are motivated by a sense of civic responsibility," Stan Bradshaw said during the dedication. "We are convinced that a thriving O'Neal School is critically important to Moore County and to the surrounding area.

"We've spoken with countless others who say, as we say, that they would never have moved here were it not for the O'Neal School. Because of O'Neal, there are many more medical specialists, surgeons, other professionals and philanthropists living here today making this a better place to live for everyone - not just for O'Neal families.

"We encourage all of you to think of O'Neal in this way as well. It is not just an institution that only O'Neal parents should care about. The O'Neal School is truly a civic asset, and we hope you will help us take this message into the community."

State Sen. Harris Blake spoke highly of the Bradshaw family and their dedication to The O'Neal School and the community at large.

As Hannah's friends unveiled the "Cartwheel Kids" - sculptures created by artist Gary Lee Price - Blake described the importance of the enthusiasm and adventuresome nature portrayed by the beautiful artistic pieces.

The "Cartwheel Kids" are prominently displayed in front of The Hannah Center.

Suzanne Phillips, O'Neal Lower School assistant and family friend, gave the invocation.

"We remember fondly Hannah and all that she taught us in her own shy way about loving and being kind," she said. "We ask you to continue to bless Jean, Stan and Danielle for their generosity and shining example of care for others. Let our youth appreciate the heritage of The O'Neal School and enjoy the challenge and promise of the future."

In closing, Danielle Cormier, O'Neal freshman and Hannah Marie Bradshaw Scholar, sang "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" accompanied by Baxter Clement on guitar.

Serving students from pre-kindergarten 3 to 12th grade, The O'Neal School is a member of the National Association for Independent Schools and is also a Core Knowledge National Visitation Site. The school has dual accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS).

The school is now taking enrollment applications for the 2011-2012 school year. Anyone needing more information about the O'Neal School can contact Director of Admissions Alice Droppers, at (910) 692-6920 or go to www.ONealSchool.org.