Left: A student speaks to the Westerville City Council about Emerson Elementary School. Right: Third grade students pose for a picture with Westerville Mayor Craig Treneff.
A group of Emerson third graders spoke at a Westerville City Council meeting recently regarding a mayoral proclamation declaring March 19 as “Emerson Elementary School Day.” This process began during a field trip earlier in the year, when a student asked Mayor Craig Treneff about issuing such a proclamation. Mayor Treneff agreed that if the youngsters could determine the exact date of Emerson’s opening, that day would be celebrated. The children learned that Emerson was opened on March 19, 1896, to much fanfare and a speech by Ohio’s governor. They then took it upon themselves to research the history of their school and their town; to tour the building taking pictures; and to interview teachers and students about their experiences at Emerson. On Monday evening, March 5, students from the classrooms of Jeffrey Miltko, Beth Dalin and Shannon Goebeler presented to City Council, detailing the 122 years of Emerson’s history. They also put together a display highlighting a timeline, photos, and models of the school’s unique historical features. To view the meeting, and see some of the students speak, please visit https://vimeo.com/258882344#t=90s.