Montville's "Twin" Elementaries host 50th Anniversary Gala Celebration

It’s been 50 years since Cedar Hill and Woodmont Elementary Schools opened their doors to education excellence. On Thursday, February 19, 2015 the “twin” schools will hold a 50th Anniversary Gala Celebration for all alumni, alumni families, families of current students, staff, former staff, and anyone who loves Cedar Hill or Woodmont Schools. The adult-only event will be held at the Knoll Country Club West in Boonton.

Built on the opposite sides of town, one in Towaco and the other in Pine Brook, Cedar Hill and Woodmont Elementary Schools share the same blueprint and the same anniversary. Both graduated their first classes in 1965.

“At a milestone such as 50 years, it important to have an opportunity to gather and reflect,” said Woodmont Principal, Dominique Esposito. “That is why our staff and our parent volunteers have organized this amazing opportunity for all those who have ever attended, or had children attend, Woodmont and Cedar Hill.”

“Throughout this year we have been talking with graduates of our schools,” explained Dr. Michael Raj, Principal of Cedar Hill. “It is educational for us to hear how the past influences the present. It reinforces how important schools are to community”

To commemorate this landmark year, Cedar Hill and Woodmont Elementary Schools have planned a series of 2014-2015 events and activities which support the curriculum and build pride in the student body.

While some of the events -- like the burying of time capsules and the sharing of memories by alumni -- are smaller and take place within each school during the school day, the 50th Anniversary Gala Celebration is open to anyone over 21 who would like to stroll down memory lane over dinner, dancing, and entertainment at Boonton’s Knoll Country Club.

The February 19 Gala is the only opportunity for all alumni, alumni families, current families and others to come together in one location and reminisce.

“In October we held a launch party at the Montville Senior House to ‘kick-off’ the 50th Anniversary year,” Raj explained. “It was so successful that our parent associations decided to create a Gala opportunity for all alumni, families and staff who have ever had an opportunity to be a part of Cedar Hill or Woodmont Schools.”

“This Gala is going to be great,” Esposito added. “All of us – teachers, staff, alumni, everyone -- we are all looking forward to meeting many more alumni and families.”

And in keeping with “twins,” the 50th Anniversary Gala is also a chance for some friendly competition and building school spirit among current families and staff.

“We’re holding a competition to see which school is the most committed to school spirit,” explained Michelle Zuckerman, President of Cedar Hill’s Home and School Association.

During the event, the school with the most staff and most current families in attendance will be declared School Spirit winner. With only two weeks until the 50th Anniversary Gala Celebration, 8.8% of Cedar Hill’s current parents have reserved their spots at the gala. This is compared to 7.4% of Woodmont’s parents. Additionally, 15.5% of Cedar Hill staff will be attending as opposed to 10% of Woodmont Staff. While Cedar Hill seems to be in the lead, there is still time for a game-changing upset. Alumni and others are encouraged to turn out and see how this competition plays out on February 19.

The 50th Anniversary Gala Celebration for Cedar Hill and Woodmont Elementary Schools is open to all adult alumni, alumni families, families of current students, staff, former staff, and anyone who loves Cedar Hill or Woodmont Schools. Tickets are $50 per person. The event will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2015 at 6:00 PM in the Knoll Country Club West, 12 Knoll Lane, Boonton, New Jersey. The Gala ticket includes hors d’oeuvres, buffet dinner, dancing, and entertainment. There will be a cash bar, a 50/50 raffle, and plenty of opportunities to stroll down memory lane. For information and to order tickets click here. Please send checks to CHH&S, Cedar Hill HSA, 46 Pine Brook Road, Towaco, NJ 07082 PTA, Attention: 50 Year Celebration. For more information contact chwt50years@gmail.com or call 973-886-5456.