By Christian J. Appleton
HARPER CITY, MARYLAND COUNTY — A major US$187,000 rehabilitation project has officially launched to fully restore the long-abandoned John Hilary Elementary School, located behind the J.J. Dossen Hospital in Harper City.
The institution is one of the oldest primary schools in Maryland County. It was named after the son of Liberia’s longest-serving president, William V.S. Tubman. After years of severe structural neglect and environmental wear, the building is now set for a complete transformation.
Local businessman Patrick Morais is fully funding and spearheading the project. Morais is an alumnus of the institution and the son of former Maryland County Senator H. Dan Morais.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Morais revealed that an emotional return to the campus years ago compelled him to act.
The last time I came here, I could not recognize my own school, Morais said. It was heartbreaking. I told myself I had to take responsibility to bring it back.
He described the current learning conditions as unacceptable. He noted that the initiative aims to restore dignity and improve access to quality education for local students.
The comprehensive one-year renovation timeline will cover:
- A complete facility structural overhaul
- New roofing and flooring
- Classroom and office space renovations
- Modern drainage systems installation
- Safe drinking water access setup
School administrators and local leaders have widely celebrated the intervention. The last known renovation on the property was conducted in the 1990s by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) following Liberia’s civil conflict.
This has been our dream for years, said Francis Morris Sr., Principal of John Hilary School.
It is painful to see students sitting in leaking classrooms. At times, we are forced to send them home because conditions are not suitable for learning.
The launch brought together diverse stakeholders who pledged their cooperation:
TT Nagbe Sopoh (Commissioner of Tobey Ville Township): Praised Morais for stepping in to rescue local children and promised full township support.
Abraham C. Wilson (Superintendent of the Maryland Market Association): Stated the project represents profound hope for future generations.
Larry Nimely (Maryland County Education Officer): Commended the initiative for complementing government efforts. He confirmed the Ministry of Education has officially approved the project.
Maryland County Superintendent Henry B. Cole welcomed the development and assured full government support. However, he emphasized the critical need for proper institutional alignment on public works.
We are not against development, Superintendent Cole noted. However, when projects involve public facilities, the Superintendent’s office must be notified for proper authorization.
This US$187,000 rehabilitation is not an isolated act of charity. It marks the latest chapter in Morais’ two-year philanthropic campaign across Maryland County.
His people-first approach to regional development continues to target critical infrastructure gaps, promising to bring new life to the region historic academic landmarks.