2019 Discovered

By Hannah Ray | December 31, 2019

 

Each new year, we are offered the chance to start fresh, begin again, and wipe the slate clean. But as we toss our old calendars and open the page to a new year (and a new planner!), we can’t help but pause first and reflect back on all that 2019 has brought us.

When we think back to our beginnings at High Point Discovered, it’s hard to believe how far we’ve come. What began as a personal Instagram project, launched as High Point Discovered—the blog, the social media outlet, and the movement—barely 18 months ago. Our team was small and maybe a little bit unprepared for what was to happen so quickly and with such enthusiasm. Today, we’re a growing team with connections to many parts of our city. In celebration of how far we’ve come this year alone, and in excitement for all that 2020 holds for us, we just want to share some of the top things we discovered during 2019.

We Discovered Our History

Photograph, black and white, aerial view of East Commerce Street and High Point's Factory District. Commerce Street runs vertically along the right side of the image.

Photograph, black and white, aerial view of East Commerce Street and High Point’s Factory District. Commerce Street runs vertically along the right side of the image.

We walked down the paths of those who went before us. While High Point Discovered is built on finding out about new and exciting parts of our city to share with you, where would we be without the history that formed us? This year, we dug deep into High Point’s rich history, when we reflected on 160 Years of High Point, and when we walked with one of High Point’s resident historians, Glenn Chavis, down Washington Street.

A mural of African American leaders on Washington Street in High Point.

Tour of Washington Street in High Point by Glenn Chavis | Maria West Photography

We Discovered True Love

Bert and Shirley Rau sit with their arms around each other laughing on a couch.

Bert and Shirley Rau | Maria West Photography

We found out that true love really can last a lifetime. Sitting with Bert and Shirley Rau, we discovered their story of a life well-loved and well-lived. After 71 years of marriage, their home is still filled with love, laughter, and the memories of the life they built in High Point.

We Discovered Education

A group of Extraordinary Educators in High Point stand on the front steps of the High Point Country Club.

Extraordinary Educators in High Point | Maria West Photography

We were inspired by the teachers and students who fill our High Point schools with life and new ideas. Two new High Point Discovered series, Extraordinary Educators and Outstanding Students launched this year. As we begin building connections with the men, women, and students who fill our schools with brilliance, entrepreneurship, and dedication, we found out that the future of High Point is in gifted hands.

We Discovered Our Home Team

A close up photo of the High Point Rocker's baseball jersey.

High Point Rockers | Maria West Photography

We watched as our new favorite team, the High Point Rockers, threw the first pitch across our new home plate. As the Rockers made their 2019 debut, we found ourselves cheering so loudly at each game, soaking in the summer nights, and discovering that win or lose, we’ll always root for the home team.

We Discovered Market Makers

Tony Rayburn of High Point Market points to a print of the city of High Point.

IHFC’s Main Wing manager, Tony Rayburn | Maria West Photography

We explored what happens underneath, inside, and behind the scenes of High Point Market. From the team at the High Point Market Authority, to IHFC’s Main Wing manager, Tony Rayburn, we discovered that High Point’s famous Furniture Market only happens because of the dedication and drive of people who love serving their city.

We Discovered Deep Connection

Cyril Jefferson, Founder and CEO of Change Often and councilman elect for the City of High Point and Christi Barbour, Founder of High Point Discovered and Founder & Partner of Barbour Spangle Design walk together on a path at the Bienenstock Library.

Cyril Jefferson, Founder and CEO of Change Often and councilman elect for the City of High Point and Christi Barbour, Founder of High Point Discovered and Founder & Partner of Barbour Spangle Design | Maria West Photography

We learned to listen to conversations. As we build more and more connections and friendships throughout our city, we find the doors swing open to creativity, courage, and deeper community.

We Discovered Holiday Magic

A man dressed as Santa Claus sits in an easy chair in front of a fireplace of stockings.

Santa Cliff, High Point’s famous Santa Claus | Maria West Photography

We felt the hope of the holidays spring up inside of us, when we met High Point’s own Santa Cliff, and discovered the joy of believing all over again.

We Discovered our Future

A glass pane with word about High Point handlettered on.

Maria West Photography

In 2019, High Point Discovered really began finding its voice. We made more community, met so many of our wonderful citizens, and made plans for the new year. We are absolutely ecstatic to share with you more of our beautiful city in 2020, and we hope you’ll stick around for more!

We Discovered You

And the only thing that made all of our 2019 Discoveries possible was you. Our readers, our teachers, our students, our businessmen and women, our artists, our chefs, our doctors and caregivers, our trainers, our yogis, our stylists, our landscapers, our musicians, our family. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, to each and every person who makes High Point Discovered happen. Our greatest hope in 2020 is to continue discovering more and more corners of our city, bringing the community together, and telling the story we are all so thankful to be a part of.

Here’s to 2019, and here’s to more in the New Year.

Discover our High Points!

The HPD Team

SaveSave