FAIRVIEW, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Fairview Elementary School marked its 100 year birthday this week with a celebration featuring students past and present.
The event, which took place around 1:15 p.m. on Thursday, April 2 in the elementary school auditorium, included the dedication of a 100 year time capsule, speeches from Buncombe County Schools leaders and dozens of pieces of student artwork and research on display. Several students were even dressed in period clothing from decades past, reflecting the long history of the school.
Buncombe County Schools Superintendent Rob Jackson and Associate Superintendent Jennifer Reed both spoke at the event.
Reed, who previously served as Fairview Elementary principal from 2011-17, gave a heartfelt speech reflecting on the strong bond between the elementary school and the Fairview community.
“Fairview is exceptional because relationships are prioritized. That does not mean academics are not important, because they absolutely are. Fairview students, each and every one of you, achieve at high levels. You learn, you grow and you succeed. But what truly sets this school apart is the understanding that learning happens best when students feel safe, value and connected,” Reed told the crowd. “The adults in this building know their students. They know their families, they know their stories and they work together to ensure that every child feels like they belong here. That sense of belonging is the heartbeat of Fairview Elementary School.”
In his speech, Jackson took a moment to acknowledge the service of Fairview Elementary teachers and faculty. The superintendent spoke directly to the crowd of instructors, asking them to raise their hands for the length of time they had worked at the elementary school.
“I want to recognize our teachers and faculty, the people who every single day show up for each of you, for our community and who give deeply of themselves,” Jackson said. “From our retirees and guests who worked here previously to our current staff, if you have served at Fairview Elementary School for 3 years or more, will you raise your hand?”
Jackson continued with the exercise until he hit 40 years, at which point one staff member still held her hand high. The students erupted in cheers.
“Boys and girls, what you’ve just seen, starting with all those folks who waved in three years, five years, 10 years, all the way up to 40 years, you’ve seen something called dedication,” Jackson told the kids. “That’s someone who loves what they do and wants to give all that they are, day after day, year after year, day after day. And part of what’s made Fairview so special is just that.”
The students had their turn at the proverbial microphone, too. In the auditorium, the kids sang the Fairview Elementary alma mater. Then, after the event, guests were invited to stroll the school hallways, where an impressive array of student artwork and school history projects were on display. The exhibit was coordinated by 2nd grade teacher Jennifer Gortney, who has proudly worked at the school for 29 years.
As Fairview Elementary looks to its next 100 years, Jackson may have put it best.
“This I know. Whenever they choose to open up that time capsule and they ask about 2026, they will know that the faculty and staff of Fairview Elementary School is living up to expectations of the past. I see it in our students. Let’s give a big hand to our people,” Jackson said.
For more about Fairview Elementary, visit fes.buncombeschools.org.