Posted 10:17 am Sunday, November 15, 2009
Clarkston Elementary Celebrates Anniversary
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By KELLY GOOCH
Staff Writer
Bob Liles remembers when Clarkston Elementary School was nothing more than a piece of land.
Staff Writer
Bob Liles remembers when Clarkston Elementary School was nothing more than a piece of land.
In 1959, the same year Clarkston opened, Liles was a third grade student.
"I got to live near by and see the building. I walked around the construction site several times," he said.
Liles was among the hundreds of alumni, parents, students, staff and former teachers who gathered at the school Saturday to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Attendees could tour classrooms, where teachers were on-hand, or look through old yearbooks and photos in the library.
Additionally, students performed, Tyler ISD Trustee Brad Spradlin spoke and families enjoyed a picnic in the courtyard.
"It's a time of celebration of 50 wonderful years of education, and we're looking forward to the next 50," Clarkston Principal Kathryn Letsinger said. "It's a time for families to come together and rekindle the friendships."
She said Saturday also was a chance for people to see the new Clarkston Elementary that is being constructed next to the current Clarkston.
The building was originally scheduled to open in August 2010, but officials have reported that the project is ahead of schedule.
As a former Clarkston student, Spradlin took special interest in the new school's design. He said he wanted the entrance to be monumental so people would know it was a "house of learning" and for traffic patterns around the school to remain the same.
"This is a beautiful neighborhood, and the new building compliments the neighborhood," Spradlin said.
The new building is more than 70,000 square feet and has a capacity of 600.
Fourth grader Nathan Dial said he is excited that the new facility is two stories while first grader Robyn Liles said she is excited about the elevator.
Bob Liles called the new building "impressive."
"It's a lot bigger than the old school, and it's obviously a lot more expensive," he said.
"It's a lot bigger than the old school, and it's obviously a lot more expensive," he said.
For first grade teacher Laurie Romano, getting a new building is bittersweet.
"It's nice to look out and see this beautiful courtyard, but it'll be nice to have this new building," she said as she stood near her classroom.
Although attendees were thrilled to see the new Clarkston, they also had fond memories of the past 50 years.
Spradlin attended Clarkson from 1961-66.
"I remember the school was fun, the faculty was loving and caring and held us to high expectations," he said. "I remember the names of every teacher I had. All my memories of Clarkston Elementary, when I attended here, are positive."
"I remember the school was fun, the faculty was loving and caring and held us to high expectations," he said. "I remember the names of every teacher I had. All my memories of Clarkston Elementary, when I attended here, are positive."
Spradlin continued, "It's wonderful that an institution like Clarkston has been able to be so consistent these 50 years and be so consistent in delivering an education to students who came through here."
Ms. Letsinger said Clarkston is one of the smaller, more nurturing Tyler ISD campuses and will continue its nurturing environment as it moves forward.
Liles attended Clarkson from 1959-62. He said he remembers the school's first principal, John Cox, because he was always in trouble.
Librarian Ila England said Clarkston has come a long way since she began working there.
She said she still remembers when there were no computers in the library, and students had to sign a card to check out a book.
Mary Ragsdale never went to Clarkston, but the school was named after her great-grandfather, Horace Clarkston.
"He read all the time. He was very honored that the school was named after him," she said.
No matter what fond memories people had, Ms. Romano said she enjoyed hearing them.
"Today means a lot for the celebration and to get to see past people who taught here and went here," she said. " ΓΆΒ?Β» I'm happy (my children have) been able to be at Clarkston and that one son will be at the new Clarkston."
