Craft Academy Students aid in 'Music on the Green' Concert Series

Students from Morehead State University's Craft Academy for Excellence in Science & Mathematics are leading an effort to restore and revitalize the historic Hazel Green Academy in Wolfe County and host the free "Music on the Green" concert series.  

Founded in 1880, HGA was a private boarding school that served students for over a century before closing in 1983. Its historic campus remains a landmark in the region. The Hazel Green Academy Revitalization Project, mentored by Visiting Assistant Professor of Research/Craft QEP Dr. Rachel Rogers and launched in 2021, aims to breathe new life into the campus through educational outreach, community engagement, and physical restoration efforts.  

As part of their mission to reconnect the community with the academy, the HGA Revitalization Team is hosting "Music on the Green," a free concert series open to the public. The concert series will feature live performances from regional artists and provide a space for the community to gather and celebrate local music and history.  

Project leadership includes Craft Academy seniors Jaxson Brewer (Georgetown), Ashlee Foxworth (Cynthiana), Emma Laney (Ashland), Jacob Layne (Catlettsburg) and juniors Natalie Brooks (Rogers), Heather Ott (Owingsville), Dani Smith (Manchester), Skylan Stevens (Olive Hill), and Kya Taylor (Olive Hill).  

All concerts are free to attend and will take place at Hazel Green Academy from 6 to 8 p.m. on the following dates:  

• Thursday, April 10 – West Liberty Mountain Boys  
• Thursday, April 17 – Adalyn Ramey  
• Thursday, April 24 – Don Rigsby (Class of 1991) 

"This project is about more than just restoring a historic campus—it's about bringing people together, celebrating our past, and creating new opportunities for future generations," said Natalie Brooks. "We invite everyone to join us at 'Music on the Green' and be part of Hazel Green Academy's story."  

On March 28, 17 Craft Academy students visited the HGA campus to continue restoration work. Their efforts included raking leaves, clearing branches, cleaning the auditorium and stage, and tidying classrooms, all contributing to the continued revitalization of the space.  

The Hazel Green Academy Revitalization Project seeks grants and support to continue campus restoration efforts. Craft Academy students ensure that HGA remains an asset to the community through service-learning initiatives and outreach programs.  

For more information about the project or the concert series, please contact craftacademyleadershipteam@gmail.com or visit The Hazel Green Academy Revitalization Project website.  

To learn more about the Craft Academy, email craftacademy@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2093.