Flowers sit atop the Roeper School sign in memory of Annemarie Roeper. (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. (WJBK) -
There was laughter and learning Monday in a non-traditional classroom setting at the Roeper School in Bloomfield Hills. It is just what founder Annemarie Bondy Roeper wanted. The 93-year-old started the school for gifted children with her husband, George, back in 1941 after they barely escaped Nazi Germany with their lives.
"We came out of the Holocaust and the idea was that scared, frightened people are easily manipulated, so Annemarie and George wanted a school where people would learn to create their own identity, speak up for truth and not ever march people into concentration camps," said Roeper Alumni Director Emery Pence.
Mrs. Roeper believed in giving children freedom and room to grow in an emotionally and intellectually supportive community.
Today, 560 students attend Roeper from preschool to high school.
"She's like my role model and Roeper is like my home," said 11-year-old Cecilia Cousins. "I consider her an amazing person."
Mrs. Roeper last visited the school about three years ago for her ninetieth birthday. A memorial service is being planned for August when her family members can attend from out of state.
With a flag at half staff and flowers left at the school entrance, Mrs. Roeper's pioneering spirit is being remembered. Students also took part in an assembly in her honor.
"Her and George's ideas live on. The idea of respect, tolerance, safety, speaking truth to power and each person growing in their own way, but for the betterment of society," Pence said.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 9:22 PM EDT2013-05-16 01:22:48 GMT
A Detroit-based startup is taking off and installing green energy systems across the globe. They are taking a unique approach using a network of expert "freelancers."
A Detroit-based startup is taking off and installing green energy systems across the globe. They are taking a unique approach using a network of expert "freelancers."
Monday, May 13 2013 6:19 PM EDT2013-05-13 22:19:48 GMT
A suspect is in custody after a bomb scare at Westland City Hall. We're told a man held a worker hostage as SWAT teams surrounded a building on Ford Road. Nobody was hurt.
A suspect is in custody after a bomb scare at Westland City Hall. We're told a man held a worker hostage as SWAT teams surrounded a building on Ford Road. Nobody was hurt.
Saturday, May 11 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-05-12 01:28:26 GMT
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing was among dozens of volunteers who came out to clean up various neighborhoods Saturday. It was all part of Motor City makeover, now in it's second weekend.
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing was among dozens of volunteers who came out to clean up various neighborhoods Saturday. It was all part of Motor City makeover, now in it's second weekend.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:52 PM EDT2013-05-19 17:52:35 GMT
Authorities have identified a 20-year-old man they've arrested in the firebombing of the suburban Detroit home of an heir to the Art Van Furniture business.
Authorities have identified a 20-year-old man they've arrested in the firebombing of the suburban Detroit home of an heir to the Art Van Furniture business.
Let It Rip Weekend: Doggy Insurance, Pit Bull Bans & $15 Minimum Wage
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:33 AM EDT2013-05-19 14:33:58 GMT
This time we're talking about a new requirement in Royal Oak that has some dog owners taking out $1 million insurance policies on their pooches. Plus, Waterford Township is considering repealing their
Should owners of dangerous dogs have to take out $1 million insurance policies? Are pit bull bans a good idea? Plus, should the minimum wage be raised to $15 an hour?
Sunday, May 19 2013 12:01 AM EDT2013-05-19 04:01:16 GMT
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:55 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:55:04 GMT
"We intend to build cars in North America for [the] North American market, build cars in Europe for the European market and build them in Asia for the Asian market," said Don Graunstadt.
"We intend to build cars in North America for [the] North American market, build cars in Europe for the European market and build them in Asia for the Asian market," said the CEO of North American Operations for the electric car company.
Friday, May 17 2013 10:19 PM EDT2013-05-18 02:19:58 GMT
It can creep up on you without you realizing it. One day you step on the scale and you're obese. That's what happened to a St. Clair Shores woman who never though she would lose the weight.
It can creep up on you without you realizing it. One day you step on the scale and you're obese. That's what happened to a St. Clair Shores woman who never though she would lose the weight.
Flowers sit atop the Roeper School sign in memory of Annemarie Roeper. (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
