The son of former Maryland County Senator, Patrick Morias, has officially broken ground for the rehabilitation of the long-neglected John Hilary Thomas High School in Harper, marking a major step toward restoring the institution’s learning environment.
The $150,000 project will cover a full roof replacement, renovations of classrooms, repairs to the school’s auditorium, and upgrades to sanitation facilities.
Once completed, the work is expected to directly improve conditions for hundreds of students in Harper and surrounding communities who have studied in deteriorating facilities for years.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Morias said the initiative was his way of giving back to the school where he began his early education. “This place shaped me, and I believe every student here deserves a safe, decent space to learn,” he told attendees. He added that he would ensure the project is executed transparently and to standard.
County Education Officer Larry Nimely and Superintendent Henry Cole both welcomed the intervention, praising Morias for following the proper procedures and coordinating with county authorities before starting work.
Nimely noted that the project aligns with the county’s education priorities and will ease pressure on the already strained public school system.
Residents, students, and community members who attended the ceremony expressed strong support and pledged to monitor the project to ensure accountability and timely completion.
Several parents said the rehabilitation would encourage higher attendance and improve academic performance.
The project comes at a time when many public schools in Maryland County face infrastructure challenges due to limited government funding. Stakeholders say private and community-led interventions like this are critical to bridging the gap.
Work on the John Hilary Thomas High School rehabilitation is expected to begin immediately, with updates to be provided as construction progresses.