Loch Lomond School Celebrates 50 Years with Time Capsule Tradition

recently celebrated 50 years of learning by having students fill a time capsule to be opened when the school celebrates its Centennial.

The Manassas Observer reported in its March 23 edition the local Prince William County elementary school recently celebrated its 50th anniversary in October of 2011. Part of the celebration included students from each class placing current cultural items, including books, a copy of the school menu and a copy of the daily local newspaper, among other things, in a time capsule to be opened 50 years from now.

The school was built on land donated by developer C.D. Hylton in 1961 for about $318,000. Around the same time schools were being desegregated. In fact, Loch Lomond played an integral part in this process when then Prince William County Schools Superintendent Stuart Beville asked fourth grade teacher, Zella Brown to transfer from an all-black school to Loch Lomond, which was an all-white elementary school at the time. Brown remained at Loch Lomond for 25 years.

We might know even more about that time and Loch Lomond's history had a time capsule filled 50 years ago not gone missing.

The Observer writes, "Interestingly, a time capsule was buried 50 years ago with hopes it would be opened on the school's 50th anniversary; but no one remembers where it is."

Current  Principal Bill Horan told the Observer there's hope the missing time capsule may be found when the school begins construction on a new addition, which will include nine new classrooms and a new clinic. The school's entrance will also undergo a beautification project. Construction on the new addition is slated to begin in April with a completion goal of August of 2013.

It was noted during the celebration that the staff at Loch Lomond has remained dedicated to achieving excellence in education for the last 50 years. This is made evident by the Prince William County school .

The school has had five principals since it opened 51 years ago with 586 students in grades 1-7. As of 2010, the school had about 350 students. The Observer noted that in 1972 the school saw a decrease in its student population after Hurricane Agnes flooded Flat Branch Berm and many homes in the area. Also, in 1975, Manassas Park became its own city with a school division and many students transferred out of the county.