The unfortunate demise of Edward Lee McClain Day
To the editor:
My name is Larry “Rock" Roosa. I am a 1955 graduate of Edward Lee McClain High School.
My wife, Linda, and I live in the Smoky Mountains. I was the founder of Edward Lee McClain Day in 2016 and have supported the school and village financially. The governing bodies of the village and county made a proclamation at that time.
In part, that proclamation reads, “NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the council of the Village of Greenfield, Highland County, State of Ohio, with a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation, that the 17th day of July 2016 is hereby proclaimed: “EDWARD LEE McCLAIN DAY” and call the attention of all citizens of Greenfield to this observance, and we encourage all citizens to recognize this man’s lasting contributions to local education.”
A similar proclamation was issued by the Highland County Board of Commissioners. (Wow, and double-wow.)
This year, a decision was made that Edward Lee McClain Day will be observed only every other year. This is quite contrary to what the village's proclamation asked all citizens of Greenfield to do. This was a terrible decision.
I could pretty much explain the how, the why and the reason this decision was made. In the future, I would recommend those responsible investigate a matter or situation before rendering a decision. Had they attended the Edward Lee McClain Day programs in the beginning, they would have learned firsthand (as others have) what the problem has been and sought to correct it instead of penalizing it.
At one time, I suggested four very qualified local men form an Edward Lee McClain Day committee. These men readily agreed to serve on this committee. However, one individual was very much against a committee. This individual wanted complete control.
The Edward Lee McClain Day programs began a downward spiral. The 2025 Edward Lee McClain Day was a disaster, very degrading, embarrassing and humiliating. It was scheduled the same day as the school district's homecoming. (What a brainer.)
Outside my own family, there were only about 10 people in attendance. It was disgraceful. There is only one logical reason for the Edward Lee McClain Day downward spiral. I have seen it, and others have seen it. That reason being the person or persons responsible for the programs have given very little thought, time, effort and energy planning these programs.
The most major failure was neglecting the many assets right before their eyes that they didn’t seem to be aware of, or just didn’t care. Utilizing these assets would have resulted in exciting and interesting programs.
It was not my intention, but some said I should make this announcement at the 2025 Edward Lee McClain Day. Other than Danny Long’s wonderful portrayal of Mr. McClain, the program was awful. I did have the time to announce I had made a bequest in the sum of $250,000 to the Greenfield Exempted Village Schools. Some – being aware of the disrespect I had been subjected to as founder of Edward Lee McClain Day – encouraged me to rethink this bequest.
In the past, I had issued several checks and a few other things to the school. Now, because of the failure of the Edward Lee McClain Day programs and the decision to minimize it by celebrating it every other year, this was the "straw that broke the camel’s back.”
After giving much thought and consideration of others' advice, I reluctantly and regretfully withdraw the $250,000 bequest. I will use it elsewhere, where it is appreciated. It appears they do not have the same respect for “their school of beauty” as I and the people of 1915. I suggest you all read the outstanding remarks of some of the dignitaries in the Greenfield Historical Society book, “McClain High School, A Century of Tradition.”
We should be having a great day of celebration every year, but the program has become a mere afterthought, at best; disrespectful to the McClains, at most.
I do not apologize to anyone for this letter, I have written only what I and others have observed and witnessed.
I am regretful I have had to write this letter and the withdrawal of the donation.
Sincerely,
Larry "Rock" Roosa