Last summer, when I found out that I would be coming to Granby, I quickly set out to learn as much about this school community as I could. One of the first things I discovered was that this year is Granby’s 25th year as a school. It was very exciting to me that I would have the opportunity to be a part of a banner year in Granby’s history and knew that, as a team, we would be certain to make sure that we did not miss the opportunity to celebrate the rich past and hope for the future.
Ellen and Gene Castelli
I believe it was at the very first PTA board meeting (when I had just met some of the members for the very first time) that I tossed out the desire to celebrate Granby’s 25th year in a special way. Granby PTA co-president, Ellen Castelli (who has been a Granby parent for many years), was equally excited about this and committed herself to this project right off the bat. In just a few short months, she and former Granby parent, Christy Gray, had pulled together a team of current and former parents and staff members as the planning committee for the Granby Gala, brainstormed ideas to make this event extra-special, and delegated tasks well. Last Friday night, it all came together perfectly! A huge group (I don’t know the final count, but I’m guessing around 200 or so) of current and former staff, students (now adults), family members, and friends gathered together at J. Liu in Worthington for a Granby “reunion” of sorts.
Fred Burton and Chris Collaros (Principally Speaking) entertained the crowd.
Ellen’s husband, Gene, was the MC for the evening and looked dashing in his tuxedo top and blue jean bottoms so that everyone would feel comfortable. Former Granby student, Robbie Davidson, opened the event with his beautiful voice for guests as they arrived. Fred Burton, former Granby principal, and Chris Collaros, former teacher (turned principal), brought their band, “Principally Speaking,” to entertain the crowd throughout the evening. DVDs of special Granby events over the years played on the two large monitors all evening and a special slideshow (put together by Ellen herself) was projected on a large screen highlighting all 25 years of Granby’s staff and students. The background music for this was none other than our own current Granby choir (directed by Leslie Ritter) including special songs written over the years by staff members.
One of the amazing pieces of artwork up for auction.
Throughout the evening, guests had an opportunity to win raffle prizes and bid on silent auction items that included a wide range of student artwork recently created with the guidance of two “rock star” parent volunteers, Tamra Haurani and Meghan Zink and our own art teacher, Andrea Jewett. Former Granby parent, Tim Mack (who has been hiding his special talent), was the auctioneer for our live auction that included two beautiful quilts made from vintage Granby spiritwear, a getaway trip, and an evening for a group of adults to “be kids again” and play in the Granby gym.
One of the highlights of the evening was the opportunity to recognize our “Magnificent Seven.” These are the seven current staff members that opened the building 25 years ago. The fact that all seven of these wonderful ladies are still committed to serving the Granby community speaks volumes about how important the Granby family is to each of them. They carry with them the rich history of Granby’s past and I thoroughly enjoy having the opportunity to learn so much from them!
Paula McPheron, Barb Minor, Mischelle Stukey, Sherry Mosier, Leslie Ritter, Andrea Jewett, Diana Stambaugh (with Ron Hopper’s Photo)
As with any special family “reunion”, the absence of family members was certainly felt. Throughout the planning process, Granby’s first principal, Ron Hopper, was remembered many times. His sudden death, just a few short years after opening Granby’s doors, shook the entire Granby community and the healing process still continues. Ron was known for his ability to hire and grow excellent staff and create a sense of community where children are valued. I was blessed to have known Ron as the principal of my own elementary school when he opened the doors to Worthington Hills (yep, I’m THAT old!). I remember Mr. Hopper as a friendly, gentle man who was easily approachable. I am guessing that my brother may remember him differently as he had a knack for getting himself into mischief back in the day.
Patti Schlaegel and Gerry Alexander
Ron’s sidekick and trusted secretary was Gerry Alexander who teamed with Ron to open Worthington Hills, Liberty, and Granby. It was pure pleasure to see her in attendance on Friday night. I waited until there was an opening to have a conversation with her and introduced myself as the current principal at Granby. Partway into our conversation, I asked her if she remembered the Mays from Worthington Hills (figuring she probably remembered my parents as my father was the first PTA president there). She remembered us right away and was more than happy to share some stories with me about Ron and how he told her one more time, “Gerry. I think we need to go open this building.” I told her they must have been really good at it since the district had them do it THREE times! She was as sweet as I remembered her from my childhood days and it was a joy to reconnect with her and reminisce about the “good ‘ole days.” Ron’s picture still hangs in the lobby at Granby and I often think to myself as I enter the building that I hope I’m making him proud and taking good care of the family he began at Granby 25 years ago.
Although I’ve only been at Granby for six months, this was an amazing night for me. Watching my new school family thoroughly enjoying each other, meeting important folks that are a part of Granby’s past, and hearing so many wonderful things about this special school family was truly beautiful. Thank you fine, fine Granby family for a fine, fine 25th anniversary celebration! Here’s to another 25 years of our Fine, Fine School!!
A Fine, Fine School! 