Public Affairs: The Road to Honoring a Legend in Education Written By: Celeste Lawson T he following are excerpts from two interviews that took place on September 15, 2021, and September 16, 2021, respectively. Part 1: Interview with Heather Ryan Celeste: What can you share with our readers about the new East High School theater within the Des Moines Public Schools? Heather: What I personally know about the construction of it is that it’s a high-price facility that is taking place of the theater I grew up in…the theater my grandparents grew up in…and the theater that has been at the school, I think without renovation, since the school began. I think they moved into the building during 1911. It is a huge construction project…a gigantic investment in our students and it is exciting for East High School to finally get some new infrastructure. Celeste: What inspired you to pursue naming the new Des Moines’ East High School theater after State Representative, and former Des Moines Public Schools educator, Ruth Ann Gaines? Heather: Well…I think what is missing in that sentence is ‘legend’. Ruth Ann Gaines is a legend. Not just a legend on the east side of Des Moines, but also in the (Iowa) legislature (and for her) advocacy. I genuinely believe that she should be honored in the naming of the new theater. She was my high school drama teacher…she was my Dad’s high school drama teacher…my aunt’s high school drama teacher…she was my daughter’s high school drama teacher, and college for that matter. So, it’s not that she just touched my life…which of course she has, but she has touched tens of thousands of lives…and she is a legend, not just on the east side, but to Iowa in general. Celeste: Do you have any final comments for our readers? Heather: In addition to what I said previously regarding how Ms. Gaines touched tens of thousands of lives, I wouldn’t be the person that I am today. I wouldn’t be outgoing…or maybe as eloquent in my speech…as obviously you can telI (laughter)…if it wasn’t for her guidance.
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