Sarah Weston Hart

Longtime Asheville resident Sarah Weston Hart discusses what it was like attending school at the "Castle on the Hill," Stephens-Lee High School. Hart, who is part of the class of 1957, is president of the Stephens-Lee Alumni Association and a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.

Hart has been a volunteer at several organizations in the area, including Mission Hospital, Christine Avery Learning Center, and the Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove. She is also active with the Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald School where she began her education as a child.

Interview by Michael S. Williams | Photos, videos by Julia Wall

"We had teachers that were caring."

"I learned a lot" at Stephens-Lee High School.

"Why can't I sit anywhere I want to?"

There were only a few Black teachers in Asheville when Hart began teaching.

"It was very, very special" for her father to see her graduate college.

The teachers and principals "instilled in us the love for learning."

The students "didn't realize what they had here."

"Dear Stephens-Lee, our hearts are filled with love for thee."

People "did not have to go out" of East End for anything.

"They would always say, 'You need this. You may not think it now, but you're gonna need this education one day.'"

"They still had this mentality."

"Why are we still where we are?"

"Stephens-Lee had the best band around."

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