Valarie Holmes performed at Robert Frost Elementary School on February 5.
Actress Valarie Holmes left a powerful impression after visiting five Westerville schools this week. In a deeply moving, impassioned performance, Holmes portrayed runaway slave Charity Watson, from the South, who was on a quest for personal freedom. The one-woman show, written originally by Holmes in collaboration with Westerville educator Scott Ebbrecht in 1999, follows one woman’s journey along the Underground Railroad. Westerville’s legendary hero, William Hanby, ultimately assists the character.
Holmes holds a Bachelor's degree from Hampton Institute and a Master's degree in Performing Arts from Regent University. She performs regularly in Colonial Williamsburg and throughout the United States, and received recognition in the acclaimed PBS presentation entitled, No Master Over Me. Holmes brings history alive through her monologue performances. Her visit was sponsored in part by the Holiday Inn Express and Suites on Polaris Parkway, and Roush Honda of Westerville.