There’s a certain energy that pulses through the halls of Julia Landon College Preparatory and Leadership Development School – a quiet but powerful pride that transcends generations. It’s more than just school colors and game-day chants; it’s a deep-rooted spirit, symbolized by the lion, which binds alumni and students in a shared legacy of strength, respect, and unity. Like a pride in the wild, the Landon community draws its strength from togetherness, tradition, and a fierce dedication to excellence both in and out of the classroom.
At an April 28 dedication and alumni event, students gathered with their predecessors to share thanks and gratitude for their contributions to the school. Most recently, the alumni group was preparing to unveil a digital board for the school’s messages to be displayed outside, which was revealed later in the day. It was a bittersweet outing, as it wasn’t only a day to dedicate a final gift to the student body on behalf of the Alumni Association, but a final farewell from the group comprised of students who attended the school when it was a high school. The final class graduated in 1965.
Alumni Close the Book with a Final Gift
Created in 1989, the Landon Alumni Association was intended to keep graduates informed and together. According to Charlie Rooks, Class of ’54, the purpose of the association was to have reunions, luncheons and Christmas parties to keep the alumni connected; while also supporting the school through supplies, gifts and camaraderie.
“The board members are all approaching 90, and of course, some of the younger members are in their 80s,” shared Rooks. “So as the last act of the alumni association, we wanted to dedicate a memorial to the Landon High School, we offered a lion; they said, ‘We have plenty of lions, we need an electronic message board’, which you’ll see out front on the way in.”
Rooks continued, “We gave $20,100 dollars to the school to buy this electronic message board. And, we have a plaque on it that dedicates it to the memory of Landon High School, to the teachers and students.”
Students of Today, Memories of Yesteryear
Students, faculty and local school board representative, Cindy Pearson, welcomed guests with a lineup of intelligent, prepared speeches that showered the Alumni with praise and gratitude, with the spirit of Landon on full display.
“What we want to show you today, is that the legacy and tradition lives on”, shared Principal Ryan Casey “…and as the principal, it’s been really special to watch.”
Casey continued, “I think that you will see that your generosity and your commitment to your high school is well worth it. I think you’re going to experience a tour today, and children today, and hear from people in this room about the special amazing things that are happening. We think of you as royalty; in this castle, you are royalty to us. We are just grateful to have you roam the halls with us a little bit today. Hopefully you will feel that once a lion, always a lion. Our young people here love the legacy that they are part of; they are proud of it.”
“This event, for us, is a momentous opportunity for our students to show the alumni that they’re continuing the legacy of excellence that they’ve set in place,” echoed Ali Knoll, assistant principal of curriculum at Julia Landon. “It’s a relationship that we continue to foster, because it is so powerful. Our students are proud of what we have accomplished in our 14 years of existence as a gifted and college prep school.”
Student body President Gautama ‘Gotham’ Narula opened student remarks with poise, confidence and a deep appreciation for his school.
“It must feel like entering a time capsule, walking through these doors today,” he said, “…recognizable, yet so different. We’re thrilled to have you return and visit to see how our school has evolved and partaking in the pride in this tradition.”
He then spoke about the difference between yesterday’s tools, comparing them to new technology that exists in the school currently.
“While you walk around today, you’re going to notice how much the school has changed since you were here: Classes all have smart boards instead of chalkboards you’re used to, the library you remember now is a media center with computers,” Narula continued. “We’ve improved our sports fields too, with a new basketball court and bleachers where we shout louder than ever before. But don’t worry, some things never change, the school spirit, the way we cheer each other on – with pep assemblies and that sense of joy – that’s still the soul of this school.”
Following up on Narula’s remarks, several other student leaders shared sentiments, one leader after the other, impressing the auditorium full of captive listeners. A singing of the national anthem also afforded all to embark on another special American story, bonding over the nation’s anthem.
Elders Share Memories, Thank Students
One longtime, local alumnus, Joseph Ripley, Class of ‘54, donned his best, bright orange Landon suit coat as he took the podium to address the assembly at his alma mater.
“You can tell how much we love the school, by the attendance of this many of our graduates,” Ripley said. “Landon was a high school from 1927 to 1965, which unfortunately translates into the truth that we are all getting a bit older.”
“Now Landon exemplifies, for all of us, I think, a time that we treasured in our lives. And, what’s most important, as Gotham had mentioned, is the spirit of the place,” he added.
Ripley shared sentiments about his life, owning two unique estate homes in Jacksonville, those being a Swisher home on the river in San Marco and the other, the Marabong Mansion which is more than 150 years old in St. Nicholas in Empire Point; both houses are on the National Historic Register. His voice caught as he recalled the spirit within each place – each home exhibited differing characteristics – one cold and conflicted, mired in divorce and infighting over the estate (prior to his owning it), the other, full of married couples and joy in the home and no divorces. “You can still feel it,” he said, choking up. “So that’s the spirit in a home, and that spirit is alive here at Landon.”
Following the morning assembly, members of the alumni association were led on tours with student body , learning about the classrooms and school programming. And later in the day, a ceremony unveiled signage that will help students, parents and faculty know of student activities, early releases and other informative and important school-related messages.
