HENDERSONVILLE — As communities across western North Carolina began the long recovery from Tropical Storm Helene, there were hopeful signs of life returning to a version of normalcy as the community joined together to help those impacted.
At Immaculata Catholic School, students were joined by students from Asheville Catholic School. The schools “temporarily merged,” their principals Margaret Beale and Melissa Stuart announced, until water service could be restored at Asheville Catholic.
Students from both institutions returned to school simultaneously Oct. 16, attending Mass together at Immaculate Conception Church next to the school.
Water was restored sooner than anticipated at Asheville Catholic, and its students returned to their campus Oct. 21.
— Photos provided