On August 18, 2017, Grace Christian Academy honored Mrs. Bertha O’Neal in a surprise ceremony by naming the library after her. Mrs. O’Neal served as the school librarian for 26 years before retiring at the end of the 2016-17 school year. The Bertha O’Neal Library is located in the school’s new Learning Commons, which was erected in the former fellowship hall of Grace Church over the summer. The Learning Commons now houses the library, a computer lab, office space, and a relaxed area for students to study.
Earlier this summer, school administrators planned a surprise for Mrs. O’Neal, to occur during teacher in-service training prior to the start of the school year. Mrs. O’Neal was lured to the school under the pretense that she would be helping the new librarian, Mrs. Denise Twine, organize the library. Upon her arrival, Mrs. O’Neal was greeted by family and friends, along with all teachers and staff. She was presented with gifts to include a remembrance book, a necklace with a charm in the shape of a book, and a wonderful luncheon. The big surprise came when the festivities moved into the Learning Commons, where The Bertha O’Neal Library was proudly revealed.
Dr. Lorne Wenzel, Director of Grace Christian Academy, said, “For twenty-six years, Mrs. O’Neal has been a constant at GCA. She has served our students with grace and care, and she has instilled a love of books into countless students. She will be missed, but her presence will always be felt with today’s dedication of The Bertha O’Neal Library.”
Mrs. Charletta Jones, GCA Director of Education, thanked Mrs. O’Neal for her commitment to Grace and for her years of service. She said, “Students loved Mrs. O’Neal, and so did all of her co-workers! She made the library a fun place for everyone to visit, hiding bookworms in books and giving students a treat when the book with a hidden bookworm was checked out. She made visiting the library a treat in itself!”
