ELWA Memories

Submitted by Pam McCarron Graham ('80)
My parents came to ELWA in 1962 when I was six months old, and I attended ELWA Academy from nursery school through third grade. Needless to say, my early memories of growing up are all linked to this time.

It's impossible for me to think of ELWA without remembering its first principal, my father, Bob McCarron, who passed away three years ago (November,'98). He got a lot of flack for being the school disciplinarian (in those days, you went to the principal's office for a paddling), but I will always remember him as a fair man and a kind, caring father.

I also remember the dedication of Dr. M.A.Darroch-Jonathan Lueders Memorial Wing in 1970. Dr. Darroch was my grandfather and was, for a time, the SIM Home Director for North America. He was very supportive of the school throughout his life.

Of course at this point in time, I don't think much of ELWA Academy is left standing. The country of Liberia has been plagued with Civil War for many years, and the ELWA missionaries were all evacuated. After bombings and scavenging, I don't know what the condition of the school is. It makes me sad to think about it all being gone, but that's why pictures and the sharing of memories are so important. Let's keep sending them in.

Submitted by Ray de la Haye ('70)
One memory I have when I was in grade 2 was when a cobra came into our classroom. We quietly exited. A fun memory is the Christmas celebrations at school. I treasure memories of Jonathan Lueders, Dick Ackley, Jim and John Reed, Craig Lowe, Coddingtons, Rieses, Boys' Brigade, Firestone American Cooperative School (ACS), Jones, Galleys, Thompsons, Aunt Clara, our teachers, Balzars. So many or at least quite a few friends are now in heaven.

Submitted by Dan Buck ('79)

• 

  Return to top of page