Deerfield Celebrates 50 Years of Shepard

Three of the four principals who have been stewards of will help cap a year-long celebration of 50 years of Spartan spirit with an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday starting in the library.

Shepard opened its doors in 1961 as Alan B. Shepard Junior High and the community has been doing things all year to commemorate the school’s history. Earlier in 1961, Shepard was the first American astronaut to travel into space.

Earlier: Student Video Kicks off Shepard Celebration

A highlight of the day will be the initial laying of bricks which will form a display at the school’s entrance with the message “50 years of Spartan spirit” at 3 p.m. Principal Michael Shapiro will be joined by two of his three predecessors—Jay Monier and Dante Divirglio—at the event.

The only principal missing will be the late Frank Witcher, the school’s first leader who spent 14 years at his desk. Monier was the Shepard’s leader for 17 years and Divirglio for 14.

“I’m pretty excited,” Shapiro said. “In the history of the school there have only been four principals. All my predecessors have spent more than 10 years here.” He is in his fifth year at the helm.

Monier spent his entire educational career at Shepard, according to Shapiro. “It speaks to the character and intellect of the people who have come and stayed,” he said.

Organizers of the event hope former students, teachers, parents and general community members will attend, according to information on the Shepard website. Pictures will be taken grouping people into the appropriate decade(s) they have been affiliated with the school.

The day will include games, dance and vocal performances as well as with a raffle.

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