Old Main STREAM Academy: A Story of Grassroots Determination

Old Main STREAM Academy's journey began modestly in 2018 through a conversation among three dedicated individuals: Dr. Rose Lowry-Townsend, Mr. LeMark Harris, and Dr. Brenda Dial Deese. Together, they took the first steps toward creating a charter school that would serve the local community. With support from community leaders such as Dr. Joseph Roberts and Ms. Natasha Kinto, the group began the process of applying for charter status through the Office of Charter Schools (OCS). Over time, other individuals, including Dr. Tiffany Locklear, Dr. Denise Hunt, Mr. John Lowery, and Mr. Kiel Locklear, joined the effort, bringing additional expertise and commitment. Strong supporters for establishing the charter included Mr. Seneca Jacobs, Judge Greg Bullard, and Katie Rose Eddings.

Today, the Board of Directors includes Dr. Rose Marie Lowry-Townsend, Dr. Brenda Dial Deese, Dr. Tiffany Locklear, Dr. Denise Hunt, Mr. John Lowery, and Mr. Kiel Locklear, all of whom have played an integral role in the development and success of the academy. From the very beginning, Old Main STREAM Academy has been a grassroots initiative deeply rooted in the local American Indian community, with a clear vision to serve its students while honoring their cultural heritage.

A Challenging but Determined Path

The journey to establish Old Main STREAM Academy was not without its challenges. Robeson County, where the school is located, is an economically distressed area and a majority-minority county. It is also the largest county in North Carolina. Despite these obstacles, the founding members were determined to bring the school to life. Notably, the grassroots team navigated the chartering process without the assistance of a charter management company, relying instead on their own knowledge, commitment, and community support.

The application for the school was submitted to the Office of Charter Schools (OCS) on three separate occasions, spanning three years. The second attempt was initially successful, as the OCS Board approved the charter. However, a local representative, Dr. Olivia Oxendine, who was seated on the NC State Board of Education, organized an effort to rescind the approval. Despite this setback, the group did not give up. The third time the following board members, Dr. Rose Marie Lowry-Townsend, Dr. Brenda Dial Deese, Dr. Tiffany Locklear, Dr. Denise Hunt, and Mr. John Lowry reconvened, renewed their efforts, and submitted the application once again. It was approved and Old Main STREAM Academy was officially awarded the charter, establishing the charter school in 2021.

Throughout this process, the group worked tirelessly to cover application fees, travel costs for training and visits, and other startup expenses. They also played key roles in guiding the development of the school’s systems and operations by serving on the Board of Directors, ensuring that Old Main STREAM Academy was built on a foundation of strong, community-driven leadership.

Honoring Culture, Identity, and Persistence

The founding members of Old Main STREAM Academy recognized a critical need in the community for a school that would provide rigorous academics while honoring local American Indian and other community cultures and influences. They envisioned a school that would teach students to engage academically rigorous standards, value the wisdom of their ancestors and the traditions that shaped their communities. These teachings not only acknowledge the complexities and challenges faced by previous generations but also celebrate their strengths, resilience, and collective connections.

At Old Main STREAM Academy, students continue the legacy of their ancestors, embodying values of innovation, persistence, and self-determination. These core values, modeled by the Original People and local communities, serve as the foundation for the academy's educational approach, ensuring that students are equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Old Main STREAM Academy stands as a testament to the power of community, the strength of grassroots efforts, and the unwavering determination to provide future generations with an education that is as culturally relevant as it is academically rigorous.