The 50th anniversary party for Annehurst Elementary is as much a celebration of its community as it is its new spaces.
The event on Sept. 17 marks the formal completion of the school’s renovation and expansion project, which started in 2020. But for students, families, staff members and alumni, the celebration is an opportunity for the Annehurst community to come together and take pride in each other and their school.
Festivities kick off at 9:30 a.m. with a Family Fun Walk around the school Annehurst Elementary where those dressed in their All-Star flair could earn a medal for showing the most school spirit.
Greg Murray, an Annehurst alum who is the in-arena announcer for Columbus Blue Jackets, will serve as the master of ceremonies for the welcome ceremony at 10 a.m. The ceremony will include a special performance by Annehurst’s All-Star Choir where any alumni choir members can join in performing the song, “We’re All in this Together,” from High School Musical 2. District leaders, community members and Annehurst staff will follow with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Visitors can tour space and learn about the school’s history through memorabilia located at various spots throughout the building. Free carnival games, popcorn, face painting as well as inflatables are available for families.
Visitors can also bid on raffle baskets that feature activities for the family such as arts and crafts, family game night, movie night and outdoor fun. They can also take part in the silent auction which includes items such as gift cards to local restaurants, Legoland admission tickets, vouchers for a bowling party, registration to 2023 Annehurst Piranha Swim Team and a self-care package.
Food trucks will be on site and commemorative 50th Anniversary t-shirts will be available for purchase for $10.
Annehurst opened its doors in fall 1970 but school leaders decided to delay some of their planned 50th Anniversary community celebrations because of the pandemic and construction project. Throughout the 2020-21 school year, Annehurst staff created lessons and organized activities for students in honor of the anniversary. Last year, they hosted a school-wide 50th birthday party for students.
School leaders decided to schedule Annehurst’s official community-wide party once the facility project was completed so former students and staff, parents and community members could tour its new addition and updated spaces. The school’s renovation and expansion project, which was part of the district’s first phase of a facilities master plan residents approved in 2019 by voters, features a new academic wing, renovated classrooms with updated technology as well as a renovated cafeteria, media center and front offices.
For more information about Annehurst’s grand reopening event on Sept. 17, visit the school’s Facebook event page here.