Thursday, Hendersonville Middle School (HMS) celebrated the fourth annual observation of “Ninth Avenue School Day.” Proclaimed as such by the City of Hendersonville’s mayor in 2006, ”Ninth Avenue School Day” is a day HMS celebrates its history as the site of the Ninth Avenue School.
From 1951 to 1965, the Ninth Avenue School was a segregated school for Black students, before area schools were integrated in 1965. HMS was built on and around the original Ninth Avenue School building, and the historical marker still stands on North Main Street.
During “Ninth Avenue School Day”, HMS students had the unique opportunity to learn about history through the eyes of those who lived it. They asked questions to a panel of Ninth Avenue alumni such as, “What did it feel like when segregation ended? What is something you feel like this generation should know? Do you feel like you missed out on any opportunities? How did you feel when you were segregated?”
Students also participated in an all-day celebration that included a scavenger hunt, parade, and pep rally. HMS eighth-graders had the privilege to listen to guest speaker, Coach Gary Rivers, who attended Ninth Avenue School.
The HMS Bearcats are known for their strong school spirit, but on this day, they happily gave up their red and white for Tiger blue and gold!
