Celebrating"Spring at Hillsboro's Old Stone School"

Maddy Curtis performed at the April 18 "Spring at Hillsboro's Old Stone School" celebration.

More than 120 residents, alumni, and former teachers gathered at Hillsboro's Old Stone School on Sunday, April 18 to celebrate those who have contributed to the rich history of this treasured historic building (see photos). The celebration included a performance by Maddy Curtis and perspectives from Supervisor Burton, HCA president Mark Ware, Hillsboro Mayor Roger Vance, and former Old Stone School student and teacher Dot Shetterly who shared their memories and vision to raise funds to preserve and maintain this historic jewel for generations to come. Local businesses, including Grandale Farm Restaurant, Stoneybrook Organic Farm, Breaux Vineyards, Gardens of Delight, and Fields of Flowers all contributed to the celebration to help make it memorable for all. The Hillsboro Community Association's “Spring at Hillsboro's Old Stone School” demonstrated the wonderful nature of the small rural town and the strong sense of community in the greater Hillsboro area.

HCA president Mark Ware kicked off the celebration by recognizing the individuals and groups that were gathered to celebrate. He encouraged everyone to become a Friend of the Old Stone School by joining or making a donation to the HCA, the non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and improving the historic building. During his remarks, Ware said: “Our goal is to raise about $100,000 over the next 5 years for renovations and improvements to the Old Stone School .”

Next, Supervisor Jim Burton shared his perspectives about the Old Stone School and commended the HCA on its continued dedication and perseverance in restoring the building. He also provided a glimpse into his wife's time as a student at the Old Stone School . Mrs. Burton not only attended school there, but was among the founding members of the HCA who was active with events such as the Christmas in Hillsboro Homes Tour.

Hillsboro Mayor Roger Vance welcomed all Old Stone School alumni and former teachers who were there to celebrate the first Old Stone School reunion, and encouraged people to join together as a community to be stewards of the building. Former Old Stone School student and teacher, Dot Shetterly, also a life-long resident of the greater Hillsboro area, shared some of her colorful memories as a student and teacher there. She described the building as a jewel and urged people to continue to support efforts to restore and improve it.

The high point of the program was a wonderful performance by Maddy Curtis, introduced by HCA board member and president of Run Rabbit Run Productions, Meredith McMath. Before she became our own local American Idol, Maddy performed on stage at the Old Stone School as Becky Thatcher in the Aurora production of "Treasures: The Musical Adventures of Tom Sawyer.” She is among the newest generation of people who are part of the Old Stone School 's wonderful history. Maddy was accompanied by pianist Robbie Thompson, an Old Stone School alum and former HCA president, then by her brother Josh on guitar.

The program was followed by a reception with refreshments donated in part by Grandale Farm Restaurant and Stoneybrook Organic Farm, and wine from Breaux Vineyards. The Old Stone School was decorated with flower arrangements donated by Gardens of Delight, and alumni wore corsages and boutonnières provided by Fields of Flowers. During the celebration, all were invited to share memories for an Old Stone School memoir, as well as commemorate special events and people with a brick for the Milestones and Memories Garden, an HCA fundraiser kicked off at the event.