The Lincoln School Project, a cherished initiative led by Crockett and Tonya Oaks, continues to build on its mission of restoring and revitalizing the historic Lincoln School. This year, they are taking a heartfelt step forward with the creation of a new space: the Reflection Plaza. Set to be a serene and thoughtful addition to the school’s grounds, the Reflection Plaza is designed as a peaceful destination where both locals and visitors can pause to reflect on life’s blessings, draw inspiration, and cultivate personal growth.
The Reflection Plaza will feature two bronze statues that stand as symbols of hope and resilience, embodying the spirit of the Lincoln School itself. These statues, combined with brick paver paths and seating benches, will offer a welcoming space for contemplation and community gathering. The Oaks family envisions this new development as not only a tribute to the past but also a source of ongoing inspiration for generations to come.
Amidst today’s fast-paced and often challenging world, the Reflection Plaza aims to provide a much-needed respite—a place where individuals can slow down, reflect on their personal journeys, and celebrate the blessings in their lives. More than just a physical space, the plaza represents the broader values that the Lincoln School Project has always stood for: education, community, and remembrance.
For Crockett and Tonya Oaks, the creation of this plaza is deeply personal. The restoration of Lincoln School, which was completed last year, has already breathed new life into a building that once stood at the heart of the local African American community during segregation. Now, with the addition of the Reflection Plaza, the Oaks hope to further their vision of a revitalized, vibrant space that honors the past while encouraging future growth.
To support the development of the Reflection Plaza, the Lincoln School Project is hosting a special fundraiser: the “Food for the Soul” event. This isn’t your typical fundraiser—this one brings together good food, community, and a shared goal. The fundraiser will feature a meal crafted by Catering Chef Judy Forbes, a celebrated chef who graduated from West Plains High School in 1977 and has since built a renowned career in the culinary arts. Her special menu is designed to offer both comfort and flavor, a true testament to the event’s name.
Each meal, available for preorder through the Lincoln School Project’s website, features your choice of Smothered Chicken or Smothered Pork Chops, accompanied by comforting sides such as mac-n-cheese, green beans, sweet potatoes, and cornbread, rounded off with a delicious dessert. The meals, priced at $20 each, will be available for curbside pickup on Saturday, October 12th, from 2 to 4 pm at the historic Lincoln School parking lot.
The goal is to sell at least 150 meals to kickstart the fundraising efforts for the Reflection Plaza. The Oaks hope that the community will rally around this project, just as they did during the restoration of the school. The funds raised will be instrumental in bringing this vision to life, allowing the Lincoln School Project to move forward with additional community engagement activities and projects.
Looking ahead, the Oaks family is planning to complete the Reflection Plaza by May 12, 2025, with a dedication ceremony set for May 17, 2025. This date holds special significance as it marks the 71st anniversary of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision, which declared the segregation of public schools unconstitutional. It’s a fitting tribute, given the Lincoln School’s historical role in educating African American students during segregation.
For Crockett and Tonya, the Reflection Plaza is about more than just creating a physical space—it’s about continuing to build a community that reflects on its past and strives for a brighter future. As Tonya Oaks often says, “This project is about healing and moving forward, while remembering where we came from.” The Reflection Plaza will stand as a testament to that journey, providing a peaceful place for everyone to pause and reflect.
To preorder your meal or learn more about the Lincoln School Project, visit LincolnSchoolProject.com. You can also reach out to Crockett Oaks III, founder of the project, at 281-706-3420 for more information. With your help, the Reflection Plaza can become a reality, offering future generations a space to reflect, grow, and connect with the history and spirit of West Plains.
