Former classmates from the Gales Creek Elementary School pose for a photo. Credit: Joyce Sauber
This summer, a reunion put together in two weeks brought 19 out of a class of 27 students, along with parents, teachers, and former staff from Gales Creek Elementary School.
Among those who attended were Betsy Meyers, a former 4th grade teacher, Ellen Shramm, who taught kindergarten, Corinne Clapshaw, a reading instructor, and many more, including parents who were active with the school’s PTO.
When students graduated from the 4th grade at Gales Creek Elementary School, each rang the old bell from 1906.
At this special reunion, each rang the bell once more, bringing smiles and cheers.
They found their kindergarten and class photos inside the museum located in the Jennie Raines building.
These young adults re-experienced and shared so many memories of their school days at Gales Creek Elementary School and it had even more meaning as they were the last class to attend the school before it closed in 2011 – a school that rated exceptional in school testing for several years and had been a part of the Gales Creek community for 152 years.
As they posed for a group picture on the play structure, (as they did all five years they attended Gales Creek Elementary School). We asked these young adults their names and what their plans were following their 2019 graduation from high school and learned that everyone had plans for college, trade school, military service, or a job. These young adults all have plans for the future.
They ended the evening with a track/snack ( a walk around the track with Mrs. Meyers) as they had done frequently during their 4th grade year.
Following this step back in time, the group sat in a circle in the middle of the field and talked for an hour or more.
They rebonded and have plans for a camping trip later this summer, before their lives begin a new chapter.
For all of the students and adults, that shared this evening, it was an experience we will all remember for a lifetime. Lasting friendships are such a blessing and small schools provide that opportunity to know your classmates, teachers, and volunteers.
I wish these young adults a successful and wonderful future.
To visit the school, come to the Gales Creek School library, open year round on Thursdays from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
The Gales Creek School is located at 9125 NW Sargent Road in the heart of Gales Creek.
