By Rocheford T. Gardiner
Harper, Maryland County-Harper Demonstration High School, grappling with years of dilapidation that has forced the abandonment of its main campus, recently received a much-needed donation from its diaspora community.
The National Maryland County Association of Liberia (NAMCAL) North Carolina Chapter, November 5, 2025, delivered an assortment of essential school materials and stationery to the school’s main campus on Maryland Avenue.
Making the presentation, Rocheford T. Gardiner, a prominent son of Maryland County, conveyed greetings from the chapter. Gardiner noted the school’s persistent challenges, stating, “This is just a start. We saw the plight of the students and decided to begin with a small intervention in the form of school materials.” The donation, packed in a large barrel, included coloring pencils, record-keeping
stationery, backpacks, and toiletries.
Appeals for Further Assistance
Principal Emmanuel Y. Dennis accepted the donation and expressed gratitude to the NAMCAL North Carolina Chapter for the thoughtful gesture. He also made a passionate appeal for help in other critical areas, specifically requesting assistance in establishing a library and providing a computer and printer for administrative documents and test printing.
Student President Melvin Dennis and his colleague Rose Howe were also present and voiced their appreciation for the meaningful contribution. Teachers David Wallace and Diamond Clarke added their voices to the chorus of praise, specifically highlighting the urgent need for assistance with the school building’s renovation.
Political Row Stalls Renovation Work
The school’s structural issues are tied to a stalled renovation project. It can be recalled that work, initiated by another Marylander, Dorbor Bedell, was halted following a dispute with the County Superintendent, who cited “procedural breaches.”
Though the work briefly resumed after student street protests, progression has been minimal. The issue subsequently devolved into what some observers called a “Maryland County regular politicization battle.” Incumbent District Representative P. Mike Jurry’s supporters accused Mr. Bedell of using his philanthropy as an early campaign springboard for the 2029 general elections—a claim that did not sit well with Bedell.
Despite an uneasy truce brokered between Superintendent Henry Cole, the County Education Office, and Mr. Bedell, a clear lack of interest in continuing the project persists. As a result, it is the students who suffer the brunt, as they are now forced to commute to a Roman Catholic-owned facility in western Harper for their classes.
