The sounds of Bell Elementary students set the tone for hope and encouragement at a special celebration this morning.
Lowe’s of East Asheville, a store destroyed when Hurricane Helene sent floods above its roof, kicked off its ceremonial reopening with Bell 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders singing “Lean on Me.”
“That song is so appropriate after what our community has been through,” said Bell Elementary music teacher Kelly Martineau. “We’ve been leaning on each other as a school community and neighbors and friends, and it’s helped us get to where we are today.”
The Bell students also performed an American Sign Language interpretation of “We Are the World.”
“We are so happy the Bell Bears could be part of this special day,” shared Joe Strong, the store’s manager. “Lowe’s does so much for kids, and we serve so many families with students at the school. Bell Elementary seems like part of the family.”
In addition to Bell students, the ceremony included local elected officials and Mrs. North Carolina for a special “Board Meeting.” The group sawed through boards to officially reopen the store.