Thanks to the news coverage provided by The Roanoke Star and other local outlets, North Cross School learned that the “Doc Holliday” dental diploma was not authentic. Though not the original, it is nonetheless a “valuable professionally-made replica, and still one of a kind.”
“I received an email from a dentist in Richmond who saw the piece in the news. He wanted to let us know that it was not authentic, but also wanted to make sure we knew that it should be taken seriously and hoped it would help our school’s fundraising,” reported David Lake, from North Cross’ development office. Lake said, “To commemorate his son’s graduation from dental school, he went through an expensive process to produce as authentic looking a replica as he could. Both he and his son were history buffs and he thought this would be a truly unique gift as they shared the profession John “Doc” Holliday practiced.”
Ever since local media began carrying the story emails and phone calls have been coming in from people interested in the piece. When asked what North Cross would do with the diploma, Lake said that it would be placed in the “boutique” sales area at the annual Big Flea sale this weekend, and priced to reflect the “diploma’s” value, yet attractive enough to encourage someone to take it home. “I wish it were real – that would have been great, financially, but we really enjoyed the energy it created as we played detective, examining the document, seal, ink, and framing. I’m glad that news coverage provided the answer in time for our sale.”
North Cross School’s Big Flea Sale is this weekend, May 11, rain or shine in the Carter
Athletic Center. Doors open at 7 a.m.
