Ruth Upson Elementary School marks 95-year anniversary

Posted on July 2, 2012 By Editor Neighborhood News

By Amanda Ford

At 95 years, Ruth Upson Elementary School is looking toward the future as it reflects on its past.

Students, teachers, family and friends of the historic neighborhood school celebrated the milestone with members of the community last month. The 95th anniversary “Lights Camera Action” carnival, helped revelers look ahead to the 2012-2103 reading initiative — an academic initiative sharing the same theme.

More than 300 people came out to enjoy the games, red carpet cake walk, and “paparazzi” picture booth at the school campus.

Principal Calvin Reddick said the amount of community support makes the anniversary even more enjoyable.

“It is a great experience to be principal during this time,” he said. “The neighborhood truly supports the school.”

Avondale resident Susie Morris has been teaching at the school since 1998, and remembered helping out with the 90^th anniversary. She explained that knowing the past generations of students and seeing the current children is part of what makes Ruth Upson a one-of-a-kind academic environment.

“These neighborhood schools — ones like Ruth Upson, that have been the anchors for the neighborhoods for decades — really are treasures,” she said. “There are students here whose grandparents went to school here. It’s really a special thing to be a part of.”

Reddick said he hopes that in the next 95 years the school will undergo some renovations needed to keep up with the growing population of the students. He is also confident that the school will maintain its “A” status and continue to be a “pillar” in the community.

“Even at 95 we’ve never felt so good!” he said.