Perkins School in Newark marked its 100th anniversary on May 21 with a celebration that brought together former principals, retired teachers and staff members, current students, and community members.
The commemorative event honored a century of history at the Pre-K through second-grade school and featured a ceremony outside the building’s original main entrance.
Principal Peter Czerkas said the celebration highlighted both the school’s history and its continued role in the community.
“On a beautiful spring day, past and present administrators, teachers, and students gathered in front of the original main entrance to commemorate the occasion,” Czerkas said.
The ceremony included a slideshow featuring historic and current photos from Perkins School, performances by students, and a rendition of the Perkins School song. Second-grade students also led attendees in singing “Happy Birthday” to mark the milestone anniversary.
Following the ceremony, students returned to their classrooms for cupcakes provided by the Newark Central School District Food Service Department. Former staff members and guests later gathered in the school library for a reception and a presentation from the Historical Society highlighting the school’s century-long history.
Czerkas said planning for the celebration began last summer after retired Newark administrator Cindy Russell visited the school while researching a Historical Society presentation focused on the building’s 100th anniversary. The event was organized with support from the school’s Tier 1 Committee, led by UPK teachers Kelly Faust and Cory Schalberg.
School officials also recognized several district employees and departments for helping organize the event, including the food service staff, facilities and grounds crews, custodial staff, and the district’s audiovisual and communications department.
“Through the collective dedication of our staff, students, and community, Perkins School’s 100th anniversary celebration honored our past while inspiring our future,” Czerkas said. “It was a true reflection of what it means to be part of the Newark community.”
