Abigail Leonhard
Dr. Krouse
Landscapes of Identity
11 November 2019
Reflection of Newport Landscape: Present
As a Northern Kentucky native, I had some experience with Newport, and, after completing research on the city, some of these views were changed while others were strengthened. After observing, learning, and engaging with Newport, I have a better understanding of the landscape of Newport, especially the present landscape of Newport. It is a city under messy construction and a struggling education system, but it is also a city full of potential and hidden gems striving to attract young people.
Before this project, in my sixth grade year, I remember very clearly playing against Newport Intermediate School, and this was my first impression of the school: aggressive kids that curse like sailors. I was hoping this project would disprove my first impression and give me a better image of the school. Unfortunately, I learned that Newport public schools were placed in the bottom 5 percent in the state in March 2019 by the Kentucky Department of Education because the school had low expectations, used intimidation and fear, had low scores on state assessments, had bullying issues, had even educators helping students cheat on standardized tests, etc.. Newport is failing to teach its next generation good values and a good education; by failing to properly teach, Newport is allowing another cycle of poverty to occur.
Because of my Catholic education, I was curious how Newport Central Catholic High School would compare to Newport Independent Schools. I interviewed a recent graduate from NCC this past May, and I was surprised by his statement that the school did not prepare him well for college. Despite 96 percent of the 2019 graduating class attending college, 50 percent of the students are on student assistance for tuition. In comparison, both NCC and the Newport schools have students struggling financially and have an education system that does not meet proper standards. Thus, the landscape of Newport struggling with education and poverty continues.
Furthermore, one aspect that I learned from the interview that encompasses the landscape of Newport well was hearing about the lifestyles of NCC students. They walk the majority of the time everywhere because of the closely knit buildings. As a result, the landscape of Newport is largely impacted by the closely knitted houses because it results in its residents living an urban lifestyle.
Despite the negatives of the education of Newport and the unattractive construction, there are aesthetically pleasing places in Newport that promise hope. For instance, spacious Newport Pavilion has some greenery and stone walls that separate itself from the rest of Newport. The pavilion also has popular stores like Target and Dick’s Sporting Goods that appeal to a younger audience.
Likewise, restaurants like Press on Monmouth prove that Newport does have modern and aesthetic locations that satisfy younger audiences’ social media desires. In addition to the appealing food and drink options, the restaurant has cute signs like its flashing blue “coffee” sign, greenery, and flowers that create cute photos.
Thus, because of Newport Pavilion and Press on Monmouth, a younger audience is encouraged to enjoy Newport and to follow a present trend there: being a VSCO girl. By attracting young people to shop at the pavilion’s popular stores and by creating visually appealing locations, young people can create cute VSCO photos with their new purchases and surroundings; thus, by striving to attract a young audience, the city is seeking a modern landscape.
Similarly, Newport’s goal to attract a young audience can be seen throughout its construction on Newport on the Levee. Despite construction being unpleasant, it represents Newport’s potential for positive growth. Through research, I learned that Newport on the Levee is undergoing a multi-million-dollar renovation that will provide new restaurants, bars, retail stores, and much more. Also, this past summer, the city began offering yoga, bike rides, and weekly concerts. If this renovation and opportunities to engage with the city attract more young people, the landscape of Newport could potentially be changed by improving the education system and much more.
Through the positives and negatives of Newport, I have learned that Newport wants to develop its landscape around young people. It uses urban attractions and buildings to create city lifestyles for its residents. However, despite these attempts, it also remains very unattractive to many with its failing education and an unappealing construction. Right now, Newport is a city in need of a lot of growth, and it could potentially attract a younger audience and change for the better of its residents and visitors.
