Guests applaud a speaker Thursday evening during the 50th anniversary celebration of Desert Garden Elementary School in El Centro. "I am thrilled with tonight¿s celebration," said Desert Garden Principal Kathy Brandenberg. (Joselito Villero) |
It seems like a lifetime ago but Kathy Lemos has fond recollections of being a first-grader at Desert Garden Elementary School when it opened in 1961.
Nothing held back those memories when a new generation of pupils milled about the Sixth Street campus with their parents during a lavish celebration Thursday of the El Centro school’s golden anniversary.
“I’m remembering the old times here,” said Lemos, who works as a secretary to the El Centro Elementary School District Superintendent Bob Pletka. “It brings back a lot of memories.”
Lemos and scores of other people marked the 50th anniversary of the school that now has 425 kindergarten through sixth-grade students with live music and appearances by district and school officials.
Festooned with white lights around the forecourt and colorful displays of artwork by students, the festive occasion was a moment for former students to remember the local school that was virtually a second home for them, said 16-year Principal Kathy Brandenberg.
“You have third- and fourth-generation of students who came through here,” Brandenberg said. “You can say I’m getting old.”
The event featured the unveiling of a commemorative plaque whose mosaic art design was done by the Children’s Rainforest Project, Brandenberg said. The school is known for being something of an art school among some students, Brandenberg said.
“It’s so lovely,” she said of the plaque.
Veteran special education teacher Holly Barkalow, who has taught at Desert Garden Elementary School for the past 36 years, also thought the school’s 50th anniversary was lovely.
While retirement appears to be something she may consider, Barkalow said it’s not a prospect she would entertain in her immediate future as there are so many “wonderful kids” coming through the school’s doors.
“Retirement is looking close but we have these good kids,” Barkalow said. “Who would want to retire?”
Staff Writer Silvio J. Panta can be reached at 760-337-3442 or at spanta@ivpressonline.com
Nothing held back those memories when a new generation of pupils milled about the Sixth Street campus with their parents during a lavish celebration Thursday of the El Centro school’s golden anniversary.
“I’m remembering the old times here,” said Lemos, who works as a secretary to the El Centro Elementary School District Superintendent Bob Pletka. “It brings back a lot of memories.”
Lemos and scores of other people marked the 50th anniversary of the school that now has 425 kindergarten through sixth-grade students with live music and appearances by district and school officials.
Festooned with white lights around the forecourt and colorful displays of artwork by students, the festive occasion was a moment for former students to remember the local school that was virtually a second home for them, said 16-year Principal Kathy Brandenberg.
“You have third- and fourth-generation of students who came through here,” Brandenberg said. “You can say I’m getting old.”
The event featured the unveiling of a commemorative plaque whose mosaic art design was done by the Children’s Rainforest Project, Brandenberg said. The school is known for being something of an art school among some students, Brandenberg said.
“It’s so lovely,” she said of the plaque.
Veteran special education teacher Holly Barkalow, who has taught at Desert Garden Elementary School for the past 36 years, also thought the school’s 50th anniversary was lovely.
While retirement appears to be something she may consider, Barkalow said it’s not a prospect she would entertain in her immediate future as there are so many “wonderful kids” coming through the school’s doors.
“Retirement is looking close but we have these good kids,” Barkalow said. “Who would want to retire?”
Staff Writer Silvio J. Panta can be reached at 760-337-3442 or at spanta@ivpressonline.com
