A memorial bench in honor of Dr. Hollan’s career at Fair Grove has been placed in front of the Fair Grove Elementary.
Kristie Lepold who is the Kids Being Kind Club Sponsor/School Counselor, Brandee Lentz a member of the Fair Grove Community Foundation of the Ozarks, and Ryan Buffington the Fair Grove Elementary Principal put together a bench that would sit in front of Fair Grove Elementary in remembrance of Dr. Hollan and all that she has contributed to Fair Grove.
Dr. Charity Hollan dedicated twenty-four years to Fair Grove Schools, serving with compassion and commitment as both a teacher and administrator. For twelve of those years, she led as principal, first at the middle school and later at the elementary school.
The bench stands as a reminder of Dr. Hollan’s dedication to education and her love for the Fair Grove community.
Lentz stated, “This bench will serve as a place for anyone to use and for them to reflect, rest, and remember everything that Dr. Hollan did for them as individuals or for the school. This bench will be a wonderful reminder that Dr. Hollan is watching over her students, her colleagues, and her community that she loved so much.”
The Kids Being Kind Club helped bring this tribute to completion. Kristie Lepold added, “The Kids Being Kind Club voted on the quotes, raised funds to cover half the cost of the bench, and purchased flowers and planters to place around it. They also provided decorations and refreshments for the dedication ceremony.”
When Julie Hampton started her first year teaching at Fair Grove Elementary as a second grade teacher twenty-four years ago, Dr. Charity Hollan was starting her second year as a third grade teacher across the hallway from Hampton. They quickly formed a close relationship and were able to share many ups and downs through their career as educators together.
Hampton explained, “She had a huge impact on my life as a teacher and friend, and not a day goes by that I don’t miss her and think of her. I appreciate the many people and groups that came together to have a bench placed at the front of the school in her honor.
Hampton added, “I spent many hours in her office(s) through the years trying to solve all the world’s (especially Fair Grove) problems and have already used the bench a couple times to talk about things with her since her passing. Her legacy will always continue in many ways here at Fair Grove!”
During Dr. Hollan’s twenty-four years of working at Fair Grove Schools she earned respect, trust, and most importantly friendships.
Buffington said, “Working with Dr. Hollan was inspiring and uplifting. She led with grace, strength, and an unwavering commitment to students and staff. Her positivity carried through even in her most challenging times, and she modeled what true leadership and perseverance look like.”
