Chatham Charter Kicks Off Anniversary Celebration: Thrive at 25

The Chatham Charter baseball field was brimming with excitement Friday, October 1 as the school kicked off its 25th anniversary celebration. Audience members included students, parents, staff, administration, members of the Board of Directors and a representative from the NC Charter School Association. Mrs. Julia-Brent Milholen, one of the school’s founders and current administrator, and Headmaster Dr. John Eldridge both spoke at the event. Their remarks focused on the history of the school but focused largely on Chatham Charter’s future.

“When the founders of this school began to discuss what we would like to build, it was a K-12 school with all the facilities needed and that it would be a college preparatory school,” said Milholen. “In 2021 we are living the dream.”

Milholen closed her remarks with a challenge to the entire Chatham Charter community. “I charge all of you who believe in Chatham Charter to continue to build upon the groundwork that has been laid over the last 25 years, to give our students the best we can provide over the next 25 years.”

Dr. Eldridge painted a bright future for Chatham Charter, saying, “the day you stop striving to be better is the day you begin to slide backwards. There are many options for Chatham Charter going forward, but it is crucial that our school remains true to its mission of maintaining a rigorous, college preparatory learning environment that respects individual learners and prepares students to succeed in a globally competitive society.”

He went on to say that the planned 2022 opening of Central Carolina Academy, which Chatham Charter administration is forming by replicating Chartham Charter, underscores the school’s current success as well as paves a new path forward. “The connection will give our administration, staff, and students additional peer and colleague support that is so often lacking in single charter schools.”

The school’s music arts programs were prominently featured at the event, with Mrs. Julie Teague showcasing her 5th graders in an instrumental percussion performance and Mrs. Elizabeth Taylor highlighting her combined middle and high school band’s talents in only their third year of existence.The event was capped off by an elaborate 30-minute fireworks show.