Old Farmhouse, New Digs by Josh Halpern and Hayley Kantziper

“Every life needs the possibility of expression” said Maryland’s Governor Martin O’Malley quoting the Irish poet John O’Donohue at the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new Carver Center building on Tuesday, September 15. The ceremony marks the official beginning of the nearly $60 million construction effort by Oak Contracting for the new, state-of-the art school building to be opened in the Spring of 2012. Lauding the school’s achievements and accomplishments in the arts and technology, government and education officials on the state and local levels spoke to the future of Carver Center and what the new building will mean for the school.

Principal Karen Steele welcomed the guests as well as the students and faculty members present, explaining the significance of the day in Carver Center's future. Amidst all the talk about the new building, some have begun to wonder what it will mean for the Carver Culture. Prior to the ceremony, Steele told Catalyst that she doesn't think Carver Center will change with the move. "It's going to be wild to see what the students do in the new, state-of-the-art building," said Steele. "We can't even get our minds around how we are going to use the space and educate in them. We'll take everything with us, and some totems. It's all about new possibilities."

Referring to the building where she spear-headed efforts to create Carver Center sixteen years ago Mary Cary, Founding Principal, compared the building to “an old farmhouse” saying that while this building holds a lot of memories and is historic, it can no longer serve its purpose of educating its students at the highest of standards in technology and safety. Cary, who now serves as an Assistant State Superintendent to State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nancy Grasmick who was unable to attend the ceremony, spoke of how Carver Center would always be her “home” and "have a place in her heart."

County Executive James T. Smith Jr. and Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Joe A. Hairston both spoke of how the new building will benefit the entire city of Towson and all of Baltimore County. Smith mentioned his hopes that the new Carver Center building will serve as a "cultural arts center" so that others, in addition to Carver Center students will be able to benefit from the new facilities. Smith, who was a leading force in funding the project, mentioned later that "Carver has a waiting list, and the new building will allow 270 more students to experience Carver."

Delegate Dr. Dan Morhaim of Maryland's 11th District (which includes parts of Owings Mills, Reisterstown, Pikesville and Randallstown) has two children who graduated from Carver Center. "My wife and I still come to Carver events regularly including Fresh Produce and theatrical productions even though our children no longer attend Carver," said Morhaim, "the level of talent that Carver productions have is incredible. You don't have to go to Centerstage to experience it," he added. "But you should still go to Centerstage." he joked.

The ceremony also featured musical selections by the Vocal Music prime including Leisring's "Let All Ye Sons and Daughters Sing" with the addition of lyrics written by Elizabeth Fink, Vocal Music teacher, and "The Star Spangled Banner". "Even though I should have been looking at the flag, all I wanted to do during the anthem was watch the Vocal students because they were just incredible." said Sherry Henricks, Carver Center Foundation President.

The event concluded with a reception for the dignitaries and all involved in the ceremony featuring food prepared by students in the Culinary Arts prime led by Chef Bette Mullins. With the beginning of the construction process on the new building, Carver Center students are getting the environment for creating art and studying technology that they have been waiting for 16 years. Finally, those who deserve the best are getting the best.