Local school stands test of time; celebrates 100 years in education

Posted on June 1, 2016 By Editor Junior Residents

Central Riverside Elementary School students participate in a 100th birthday celebration on the school’s front lawn.

It’s not every year that a school gets to celebrate a centennial anniversary.

Those words from Dinah Stewart, principal of Central Riverside Elementary School, kicked off a day-long celebration on May 19, beginning with posting of the colors at 9 a.m. on the school lawn.

Third-grade student Tallena Huffman offers remarks on behalf of the student body at the Central Riverside Elementary School 100th birthday party.

After acknowledging distinguished guests, which included former principals and teachers, Duval County School District and City Council officials, and representatives from local churches which support the school, Stewart turned the microphone over to third-grade student Tallena Huffman, who delivered remarks on behalf of the student body.

“Our school is actually excellent because of the dedicated teachers and staff, the hardworking students and not to mention Central Riverside has an awesome playground,” said Huffman.

“The teachers at Central Riverside are amazing. They try as much as they can to teach us fun ways to learn by playing different educational games. They have a great sense of humor, which really makes learning fun, and they are always coming up with ways to improve our education so we can get into great middle, high schools and colleges.

“The students are Central Riverside are such great friends to each other. We work together as partners or in groups to help one another. We play and share together and even set examples for one another, especially for students new to Central Riverside.

“I am honored to say I attend the school. Eventually, when I graduate, I will leave knowing I have what it takes to be successful in life,” said Huffman.

During the celebration, a new school flag was dedicated and will be posted each day with the United States flag and the state flag.

After confetti cannons were shot, the guests and older students assembled in the auditorium to hear local historian Dr. Wayne Wood speak about the beginning of the school. Wood’s presentation was followed by Ralph Coleman, music teacher, who took the assembly through a pictorial timeline of world events, fashion, music and other aspects of the period from 1916 to 2016.

By Kate A. Hallock
Resident Community News