Partnership results in a new digital sign for H.H. Beam Elementary School

Here’s a great example of a school-community partnership that is both visible and timely.

H.H. Beam Elementary School, in partnership with The Rotary Club of Gastonia, installed a new digital sign in front of the school just in time for the start of the 2025-2026 academic year.  Now, as people pass by, they will get a glimpse of what’s going on at the school.

Principal Beth Crosby said, “Our new sign will be a way for us to let students, families, and the community know about events and activities at our school.  We will be sharing news, announcements, and updates, and we will be able to post them in multiple languages.  The sign will be an important communication tool for us, and we are grateful for the support of The Rotary Club of Gastonia to help make this project a reality.”

In recent years, The Rotary Club of Gastonia has expanded its partnership with the school, thanks to the leadership of 2024-2025 club president, Luke Upchurch, and 2025-2026 president, Sharon Padgett.  In a way, the club members have “adopted” H.H. Beam Elementary School and taken on providing financial support and other resources to benefit the school community.

In addition to the Rotary donation to help pay for the digital sign, H.H. Beam raised money through its fall fun walk and received a contribution from Gaston County Schools.  Crosby says it has been a wonderful team effort, and what is taking place at H.H. Beam is a prime example of community leaders working together with the school to do something good.  It’s a school-community partnership that Crosby says is making a difference.

The school dedicated the new sign on August 2 with Rotary Club members Tim Grooms, Les Davis, Luke Upchurch, Andrew Pierce, Sharon Heinrich, and Marcia Scheideman on hand for the occasion as well as Rotary District Governor-Elect Jerry Coughter and his wife, Claire.