Emma L. Minnis Junior Academy of Louisville, Kentucky recently celebrated the grand re-opening of its new school on July 29, 2010. Nearly 130 people gathered to witness the historic event. The new school is located across the street from the recently renovated Magazine Street Seventh-day Adventist Church. This was a momentous occasion that many church members and school leaders had been waiting nearly 40 years to see. Through prayer and faith in God, the vision has become a reality.
The grand re-opening celebration began with opening prayer by Kennedy Luckett, Pastor of the Magazine Street Seventh-day Adventist Church. Daniel Mitchell, Principal of Emma L. Minnis Junior Academy welcomed everyone to the event. Special remarks were shared by the City, South Central Conference and Neighborhood leaders. From the city representing the 4th District Metro Councilman David Tandy, was Dale Josey, Legislative Assistant. Josey spoke on Councilman Tandy’s behalf noting that just several months prior they were there to witness the ground breaking and they were very proud to see the end result. From the South Central Conference were; Dana Edmond, Conference President, Philip Palmer, Conference Treasurer, and Erma Lee, the Conference Superintendent of Schools. Phillip Palmer, Conference Treasurer presented a check to Emma L. Minnis Junior Academy. Also, Erma Lee, Conference Superintendent of schools presented Pastor Luckett with a monetary gift and plague for his hard work and leadership. From the community and neighborhoods were; Donavon Taylor, NAACP & President of the Chickasaw Neighborhood Federation, and Sonia Gray, Louisville Urban League President of the Young Professionals. Also in attendance was; Georgia Powers, Retired State Senator of Kentucky, and Angenette Hill, Conference Associate Superintendent of Schools.
After special remarks, Benjamin Jones, Jr. Conference Ministerial Director gave the prayer of dedication for the new school. Following the prayer of dedication, President Edmond, Pastor Luckett, Pastor Moore, and Principal Mitchell cut the ribbon to mark the official grand re-opening of Emma L. Minnis Junior Academy. At the end of the ceremonial ribbon cutting, Fred Moore, Pastor of the New Life Seventh-day Adentist Church gave the closing prayer. The doors to the new school were officially opened and all those who were in attendance were allowed to tour the school. Following the tour, a reception was held in fellowship hall at the church. The “I Am Minnis” themed reception displayed various booths set up by the Alumni Association and the Home and School Association. Many of the booths contained pictures and biographies of the school’s former students.
The school was built by Carrell Rogers Cleaning and Restoration. The 6,000 square foot facility has 3 classrooms, a kitchen, 1 large meeting room, 2 offices, and 3 restrooms. Special features include; the insulation, high efficient windows and doors and an energy efficient heating and cooling system. The maximum capacity is 80 to 100 students. Student attendance at Emma L. Minnis Junior Academy is up, as evidenced by an enrollment increase from 3 to 40 students. The building construction began in March and was completed in July 2010. The overall cost of the school was $500,000. Serving the Louisville area since 1915, the church school has been educating students for more than 90 years. Emma L. Minnis Junior Academy serves grades Pre K-8th grades and it is an accredited private school. The school seeks to provide quality Christian education through a curriculum that emphasizes the academic, social, and spiritual development of each student. Emma L. Minnis Junior Academy is named after Mrs. Emma L. Minnis, a charter member, former teacher, principal, and professor.
Many thanks, to everyone who prayed and supported Emma L. Minnis Junior Academy through the years. To all past and present pastors, thank you for your pastoral leadership and spiritual guidance. Most of all, to God be all the glory for the great things He has done. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Principal Daniel Mitchell stands at the podium welcoming the visitors to the grand re-opening ceremony.
Conference Superintendent Erma Lee speaks to crowd.
Pastor Kennedy Luckett begins the service with opening prayer.
The crowd begins to gather outside of E.L. Minnis Junior Academy