PAINT VALLEY CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

In May of 1957, the first official class graduated from the newly consolidated district, Paint Valley Schools.  Because the new building had not been built, these graduates still attended Bainbridge and Twin High Schools.  That was also the case in 1958 when the new building was being constructed.  In the fall of 1958 the new building was finally completed and ready for the first students.  This was the class of 1959, the first class to graduate from the new building.

After using the Bainbridge and Twin buildings, many people in the community wondered why we needed such a large and fancy new school building.  The gym was so large they said it would never be filled for a basketball game.  In addition, both a baseball field and a football field were constructed in the back of the school.  Football was something new to most people in the district.  While enjoying early success in all athletic programs using the combined talents of the Bainbridge and Twin students, it became obvious the school facilities were not too big at all.  Many determined, motivated, and excellent student athletes have participated in sports in the gymnasium and on the fields over the years.  With the fine programs in place now we can expect to see many more.

The new school building was a wonderful place to learn.  The bright hallways and classrooms were a big change from the old buildings.  Due to a dedicated staff, which included everyone who worked at Paint Valley, the path to learning was paved and the students were on their way.  There are politicians, loggers, doctors, factory workers, farmers, lawyers, teachers, ministers, stay-at-home parents, executives, builders and many others from various fields who got their start at Paint Valley.

Different activitites are being planned this spring to celebrate fifty years of the Paint Valley building.  On Thursday, May 14, 2009 a luncheon for all retired staff, both certified and non-certified, as well as present and former board members, and superintendents will be held.  This will be at 1:00 p.m. in the cafeteria.

On Friday, May 15, 2009 at 1:00 p.m., an assembly will be held for all students K-12 in the high school gym.  Paint Valley’s own JROTC will present colors and have a short program honoring our veterans.  A time capsule will be filled at this time to be placed in a case and to be opened in 50 years.  Also, a style show will be part of the assembly with current students wearing some Bainbridge, Twin and early Paint Valley clothing.  One goal of the assembly is to help instill school pride in all students.

The Class of 1959 will be the special guests on Saturday, May 16, 2009 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. with a catered lunch in the cafeteria.  They will be served by the Class of 2009, dressed in 50’s clothing.  Social time and an open house will follow from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  The community is invited and encouraged to attend the open house and assembly celebrating 50 years of our school.

If you have any suggestions for the celebrations, please contact Linda Compher at Paint Valley (740) 634-3582 ext. 422 or compher@horizonview.net.  We are trying to contact all members of the class of 1959 and need your help.  Following is a list of people we have not been able to find.  If you know any of them please help by either contacting them or give any information to Linda: