Salisbury Academy

SALISBURY — Salisbury Academy’s ninth annual Bloom gala on March 17 served as a joyful reflection on the school’s history and a celebration of the community that has supported the school’s mission and culture for a quarter century, school officials said.

Held in the Back Shop of the N.C. Transportation Museum, Bloom in Celebration brought 350 people together for an evening of sharing memories and learning about the latest news at the school, all while enjoying food, dancing and a live auction.

Guests entered the Back Shop on a red carpet that led them through a photo walk of moments from Salisbury Academy’s 25-year history. As alumni parents and students reminisced, Bloom chairwoman Taylor Sexton Durham pointed out the familiar faces in the photos.

“Being given the opportunity to chair this event in Salisbury Academy’s 25th anniversary year was an incredible honor,” said Durham. “Seeing so many people with a shared commitment to the school come together in this special evening is terrific, and it speaks to the many lives that Salisbury Academy has touched.”

Proceeds from Bloom in Celebration will go to education programming, scholarships and community outreach at Salisbury Academy and to a number of community needs. Part of the funds raised enable high school students from the Salisbury-Rowan Schools to participate in the Broyhill Leadership Conference, designed to prepare young people for roles as future community leaders and expose them to new ideas for improving Salisbury and Rowan County.

This year’s Bloom-supported nonprofit group was Apseed Early Childhood Education, which provides free access to early-childhood enrichment technology for at-risk parents, guardians and children ages 4 and younger in Salisbury.

For the Fund-a-Need portion of Bloom in Celebration, money was raised for completion of Salisbury Academy’s outdoor learning and play space. Fund-a-Need money will be used to enhance the grounds with greenery, connect playground elements through trails and landscaping, and provide boulders, lighting and sound wiring.

“Salisbury Academy’s mission is as strong today as it was 25 years ago, and this is much in thanks to the community members who have supported the dream for a quarter century,” said Beverly Fowler, head of school. “The 25th anniversary Bloom gala was a festive celebration of this legacy and the exciting future ahead.”