WOODBURY-BETHLEHEM — Bethlehem Elementary School celebrated its 100th anniversary on October 20 with a celebratory program honoring a century of educational excellence, school spirit and community tradition. The celebration began with a grade-level Parade of the Decades, in which students brought the school’s history to life by representing fashion from the 1920s through the 2000s. The parade featured everything from flapper-inspired attire of the 1920s and poodle skirts and letter jackets of the 1950s to the tie-dye and bell-bottom styles of the 1960s and 1970s, neon fashions of the 1980s, grunge looks of the 1990s, and styles of the 2000s.
Representatives from the Old Bethlem Historical Society brought a display of historical artifacts and photographs, offering students and guests a glimpse into the school’s rich history and its longstanding role in the community.
Distinguished guests included local and state officials, including Bethlehem First Selectman Ray Butkus, Selectman George Rehkamp, Senator Eric Berthel, Senator Steve Harding, and Representative Karen Reddington-Hughes, former BES staff members and teachers, Region 14 administrators, and Board of Education representatives.
Remarks from several distinguished guests highlighted the significance of the milestone and celebrated the school’s lasting impact on generations of students. Speakers included Selectman Butkus, a former BES student; Sen. Berthel; Rep. Reddington-Hughes, Region 14 Board of Education member and former principal Alice Jones, and Dr. Taryn Fernandez, Region 14 Director of Teaching and Learning. Each reflected on the school’s history, recognized the people who have shaped its legacy, and encouraged students to look forward to the opportunities and possibilities that lie ahead.
A highlight of the celebration was the presentation of an official legislative citation to BES Principal Lisa Bing by Rep. Reddington-Hughes, Sen. Berthel, and Sen. Harding. The citation recognized the dedication and contributions of Bethlehem Elementary School’s faculty and staff, past and present, as well as its alumni, whose collective efforts have helped make the school’s 100-year legacy possible.