The Spencer-Penn Centre was one of eight organizations in Virginia to receive a State Preservation Award from the APVA Department of Historic Resources.
"It was a complet surprise...I was just like a Cinderella story," said Mary Jordan, president of the Spencer-Penn School Preservation Organization, Inc.
The plaque was presented January 21 in Richmond, with the Spencer Penn Centre sharing the Outstanding Service in the Community Preservation award with Loudoun County.
"It was the first time ever" the prize was shared, Jordan said.
The award is designed to recognize "an activity or project that has made a significant contribution to an historic area in Virginia," according to the APVA Website.
Examples may include an effort to save a critical structure, creation of a revolving fund and exceptional efforts by a historic preservation commission or neighborhood association such as the establishment and maintenance of a newsletter or Website, according to the APVA.
Spencer Penn was built in 1927. It was an elementary school when it closed in 2004 during a consolidation of Henry County Schools. A group of area residents and former students launched the preservation organization and bought the building for $15,000.
Since the, it has been renamed the Spencer Penn Centre, undergone significant renovations and now is used for banquets, classes, meetings, and other activities. A library has been created, classrooms have been restored and a dance theater and early childhood center are based there.
Loudoun County was recognized for an interactive Website, Jordan said.
The APVA Preservation Virginia Awards have been given since 1971, honoring Virginians who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to preservation.
