by Rocheford T. Gardiner
HARPER, MARYLAND COUNTY – For more than a decade, the John Hilary Tubman High School building on Green Street has stood in ruins. Despite its prominent location in central Harper—the county seat—the facility has suffered from years of neglect by both the District Representative and the local Ministry of Education.
Much like the students of Harper Demonstration High School, those enrolled at John Hilary Tubman have been forced to attend classes at an alternative location for several years. However, a glimmer of hope has finally emerged for the historic institution.
Patrick Moraias, a prominent son of Maryland County and an alumnus of the school, has stepped forward to fund the building’s complete renovation. Mr. Moraias confirmed that he has received official permission from the local administration, in coordination with the County Education Office, to begin the works.
Speaking to Cape Palmas News over the weekend, Mr. Moraias reminisced about his time at the school. He spoke specifically of the period following the MODEL rebel attack on Harper, a time when the entire community was forced to restart from scratch.
In addition to the school renovation, Mr. Moraias informed CPN that he has recently completed the construction of 16 public toilets equipped with running water. That project, valued at over $1,000,000 LRD, is part of what he describes as a personal commitment to give back to his home county.