Community Celebrates 60 Years at Evergreen Elementary School

Over 275 students, alumni, parents, and beloved employees – past and present, joined in celebration of Evergreen Elementary School’s 60^th birthday. The event was not only marked by Tuesday night’s popular 1950s themed celebration, but also by a proclamation delivered by Mayor Nancy Malool and the town council at the latest council meeting, naming November 15, 2011 “Evergreen Elementary School Day.”

The event was organized by the PTA, led by PTA President Marci Bowman. While overseeing the multitude of family fun and presentations, Bowman took a moment to express her admiration for the school’s history, and love for this community.

“Schools like Evergreen are few and far between. This is a true, neighborhood school. In a time where sports stadiums are knocked down after a few decades, we have to celebrate that a building that means so much to everybody is still thriving,” Bowman stated.

As 6 p.m. rolled around, and the cupcake tree, built by local business owner and Evergreen Dad, Peter Richter was topped with its last sparkling cupcake, the Multi-Purpose Room was quickly filled to the brim with Evergreen supporters lining up at the buffet and grabbing a seat in anticipation for Principal Colleen Hubert’s presentation. The floor of the MPR was sprinkled with girls in poodle skirts and ponytails, and boys in white tee shirts, cuffed jeans and slicked back hair.

Vicki Silsby, the second Vice President of the PTA explained that the PTA will be selling a 60^th Anniversary Cookbook that will be comprised of recipes contributed by parents, staff, and Evergreen student favorites.

 “The cookbook will be out in time for the holiday season and will cost 15 dollars. The money raised from the book sales will go to funding events for Evergreen schools such as Author Day and anti-bullying events,” Silsby explained.

Megan Richter was one of many parents to convey their affection for the Evergreen community, explaining that as a mom to three daughters, (all of whom have attended or are attending Evergreen) she values being a member of the PTA; an organization that has helped her get involved and obtain the knowledge to better understand her kids’ lives.

As she sat down with her family to enjoy the delicious feast provided for the occasion, Jill Becker also emphasized the importance of being a part of the Evergreen family.

“This community has always been very welcoming. All of the parents know each other and look out for each other. This isn’t always the case in other school districts,” Becker stated.

Although they are now in fifth grade, best friends Maggie and Haley were quick to remark on happy times as Evergreen students.

“It was really sad when we had to graduate,” Haley said. “We have lived her all our lives. There are a lot of nice teachers… it’s like family,” she said. Maggie added that she “loved all the fun activities” especially playing the saxophone.

The event not only included a buffet and beautiful film created by Evergreen Media Specialist Terry Keller, but also several 1950s themed activities including a sock hop, a cake walk, hula hoops, 50s era board games, a balloon contest, evergreen memorabilia, and a food drive donation area.

Christine Birch was on hand with a vintage Polaroid camera to snap pictures of kids posing over a cardboard cutout of a 50s pink Cadillac.

“We moved here from Canada and were immediately welcomed into this community,” Birch a mother of two stated.

The presentation given by Principal Haubert included photos of students and staff from the past and the present including class pictures, and notes from alumni about what they love and remember about Evergreen. The presentation was clearly a joy for all students present; clips where shown comparing what kids in the 1950s read, watched on TV, wore, and even favorite rock stars to today’s trends. Evergreen students sang along triumphantly with iCarly and SpongeBob Squarepants while delighting in Elvis and black and white Mickey Mouse cartoons.  

Haubert also introduced some “VIP Guests” who came out to celebrate this momentous occasion including, Dr. Beverly Kaminetsky, who was the Principal of Evergreen Elementary School from 1980 – 2000 as well as George Aajeker, the son of Principal George Aajker who as the second Principal of Evergreen led the school from 1965-1980.

After the presentation and a moving video created by Media Specialist Terry Keller came to a close, Evergreen alums Jillian Schuster and Sam Zimmerman SPFHS class of 2012, and Jon Dawson SPFHS Class of 2014 lead the singing of “Happy Birthday” to Evergreen. The room was lit up with smiles from proud parents and staff and consumed by the jubilant exclamations of future Evergreen graduates. 

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Margaret Hayes was on hand to witness the growing celebration.

“Evergreen is a great school that embraces strong traditions and welcomes every child. This is a wonderful way to share in great memories, recognizing the past while building a strong future. The PTA and the administration have done a wonderful job,” Dr. Hayes said.

PTA President Marci Bowman also conveyed her final observations of Tuesday night’s celebration.

“Regarding the activities tonight, it was wonderful to see 21st Century kids engaged in mid-20th Century activities! From the cake walk to the Scrabble face-offs, there were lots of smiles. It is indicative of our truly neighborhood school that the turnout was so high and the food donations for the buffet were so plentiful,” Bowman stated.

Surrounded by her students, Principal Haubert reflected on this occasion, noting that the celebration falls during , which calls upon communities to recognize the achievement of public schools.

“Evergreen to me is heart and home. This school community reflects all that it is good in regards to communication between parents and teachers. If you have worked elsewhere, you know how special this district is. There is no competition between the elementary schools. We all work together to help each other grow,” Haubert stated.