Case Study: Protect Norcom's Legacy

Protect Norcom’s Legacy
Dear Portsmouth City Council and School Boards Members, Recently, there have been talks that Portsmouth City Council is considering closing the doors of I. C. Norcom and building commercial property on the land, possibly a retail shopping center. The Portsmouth residents became extremely worried that their high school students would not have a place to continue their education. The legacy and the schools community value is highly important. I. C. Norcom high school has been given students in this community the opportunity to succeed, no matter color, religion, gender or economic status. It is important that the educational doors of Norcom High School stay open so that it will continue to give equally opportunity to everyone who come through. Hundreds of students enroll into Norcom every year, their parents trust this school to ensure they get a excellent education. They have produced the most successful students, many of whom go off to colleges like William & Mary, Old dominion University, Penn State, University of Virginia and so many more. The teachers are dedicated to showing up to school everyday and making sure they learn everything need to pass. How can you take away the students right to an education. There would be so many jobs loss and no where for these students to get these an education. It
would not be enough room in other schools, unless they decide to build a school in a different place. Norcom also produce the world’s most incredible athletes. They are known for the school with the most undeniable talent. Many students go into the NBA, NFL, or even become professional singers. Their Athletic staff makes sure that every athlete who walks into I. C. Norcom becomes successful in their respectful profession. For example, Dorian Finney-Smith played basketball for Norcom, he averaged 18 points and led the team to back to back Group AAA championships. He finished high school as a two time VHSL class AAA player of the year and first team, all-Region, All-Tidewater and All-District. He then transferred to play college basketball at the University of florida, then went on to the 2016 Draft to be a member of the Dallas Mavericks. He is not the successful athlete from this talented school, there are several others, Devin Patterson, James Whitaker, Malique Trent, and Lakendrick Ross. You can not deny the true and extremely good talent I. C. Norcom High School produces. Its would not only hurt the community, but it would hurt the former students if their school would be gone forever and a distant memory. Last but definitely not least, we take pride in our exceptional history, legacy and Alumni Association. The school was named after its first supervising principal, who was also a teacher and a community leader. He was extremely important to Norcom’s old school on Chestnut street from 1883 until 1916, the year he died. Norcom was also a strong leader for the African-American community, who encouraged blacks to own property, help one another achieve, and get an education. In February 1953 the next school was built on 22 acres at 2700 Turnpike Road, which is known as Midtown Marketplace. The current I. C. Norcom was built at 1801 London Blvd. and opened in September, 1997. The Class of 2002 was the first graduating class that attended four years at the new location. Recently, the Class of 2014 celebrated 100 years of the wonderful standing name and building. In conclusion, on behalf of the entire alumni and current students at I.
C. Norcom, I do not believe the City Council should close the doors of this wonderful educational facility to build a retail shopping center. I am critical of the Portsmouth City Council’s decisions. It is highly important the Portsmouth residents weigh in on the decision, so we can protect Norcom’s history, educational importance, legacy, and community value. Norcom plays an huge role in the lives of so many in this community. They have given every student the opportunity to get an efficient education, and if given the opportunity could give it to so many
more. Yours Sincerely, Lashonna Odom