Daffodils, forsythia, and Lenten roses are blooming here in Brasstown, and soon, all of campus will be animated by spring colors, awakening and enlivening our corner of the world.

Olive Dame Campbell had that in mind when she and Marguerite Butler founded the Folk School in November 1925 – a place that would awaken and enliven young hearts and minds, revealing their personal potential and aspirations for their communities.

One hundred years later, we’re still that kind of place. We no longer have a dairy, a chicken house, or sorghum in the fields. But we still weave, forge, sew, and dance. We still begin the day with Morningsong and share meals family style. We still tend a beautiful garden and share its bounty with those in need. Most importantly, we still nurture the life-long learning and dreams of students, young and old, who enter our red door.

With spring comes our fervent preparations for our centennial, kicking off later this year. As I write, 10 local students are engaged in an eight-week Field School to help design an exhibit for our Log Cabin Museum, established on campus in 1926. With intern support from Western Carolina University, we’re developing a self-guided campus walking tour with audio and visual components. And over 20 volunteers are forging in and freshening our three shops as part of Blacksmith Work Week.

As we prepare to celebrate history, we’re also supporting the next generation of Folk School students in other ways:

• This summer, we will serve more than 300 young people at Little Middle Folk School, and 25 will receive scholarships through a partnership with the North Carolina Museum of Art.

• Our Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) program is serving nearly 50 youth this year, its largest enrollment to date.

• By the end of the year, more than 60 individuals will have participated in our Work Study and Host programs, contributing to the garden, archives, dining hall, and all aspects of student life here.

They say birthdays come and go, but this one is a big one for an institution like ours. It’s a milestone, a passing of the torch, an opportunity to plan, grow, and thrive.

Our spring appeal goal is $60,000 to support our ongoing operations during this meaningful year. I hope you’ll contribute and, more importantly, help us celebrate 100 years of education, service, and community life.

Sincerely,