By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
For decades, Lincoln Elementary in Hays was not just a school, but it was a place for family.
The school celebrated its 100th anniversary Saturday as former and current staff, and students reflected on a century of education. Kerri Lacy, Principal of Lincoln Elementary, has spent 10 years at the school and will retire at the end of the school year.
"Lincoln has been here since the very beginning... we are a nice little family school in the middle of town," she said.
Lacy said the community is losing a special place as the school prepares to close permanently on May 21. Just before its closure, attendees had the chance to view memorabilia and reunite with former teachers from years past.
Four retired faculty and staff members took a final walk through the school and its classrooms, reflecting on their years at Lincoln Elementary.
"I feel like it was the best job I've ever had. I loved going to work every day," Ross said.
Ross said they are still recognized by former students who now have children of their own. Weber said that although the building will soon close, Lincoln has made a lasting impact on the community over its 100-year history.
"It left its mark because there were four or five generations of parents who would send their kids here, then their kids would send their kids here. We were doing something right," Weber said.
The group of retirees observed changes in the school’s history, such as technology in classrooms, the implementation of maternity leave and an increase in student respect over the years.
They said the building itself remained largely unchanged during their time there, though Lincoln did undergo additions in 1951, 1955 and 2021.
The four retired around the same time in 2015 and 2016, and have stayed in touch since, meeting occasionally for coffee and dinner.
"We kind of joke that when Lincoln gets fixed into apartments, we're all going to get one," Ross said.
Lincoln Elementary’s centennial celebration included a wall of fame at its entrance, where former faculty and staff signed before viewing memorabilia from their time at the school.
Inside the school’s gym, attendees found old collections, including yearbooks and newspaper articles that highlighted big moments from Lincoln’s history.
In 2006, Emma Kolb was honored for 33 years of teaching, followed by 22 additional years of volunteering after her retirement. In 2016, Lincoln Elementary received $100,000 for a new playground through a Reading for Education program drawing.
Lacy said that with so many retired instructors in attendance, the celebration went beyond the gym as teacher groups gathered for additional time together outside the school.
"It's a time to get together, reminisce, see old friends, laugh, cry and all that good stuff," she said.
Lacy said Lincoln had the largest Hispanic population among the district’s elementary schools and takes pride in the diverse cultures students experience. She said the school’s atmosphere was always family-oriented.
