Mari-Linn Elementary is celebrating 70 years of learning and “generations of joy” with a huge anniversary bash.
The event will take place 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at the school, which is the hub of the community where people of all ages go to learn, share and celebrate. Snacks will be provided.
“Our community is really excited about this being the anniversary of the 70 years,” said Principal Jeri Harbison. “It will be great fun to hear stories of the past. I am hopeful to have many former staff members and students at the celebration.”
Established in 1949, Mari-Linn now has 219 students in grades K-8 hailing from Mehama, Lyons and Stayton.
“The fact that we have had multiple generations of families attend Mari-Linn over the past seven decades makes us unique,” Harbison added. “I am often told about the grandparents, aunts and uncles that attended Mari-Linn over the years.”
According to Harbison, the name of the elementary school was voted on by students in the community.
“It was created to represent the two counties in which we draw students from – Marion and Linn,” she explained.
The plan for the evening celebration is to “encourage people to reminisce about their time at Mari-Linn,” Harbison said.
“One of our Mari-Linn parents is designing a menu of typical snacks from the 1940s,” she said. “Items
like chipped beef and lettuce sandwiches may be on the menu.”
On display will be pictures and other memorabilia from the various decades, including photos and newspaper clippings from Deloris Miley.
“Mrs. Miley was a former school secretary and grandparent and parent of Mari-Linn students,” Harbison said. “We plan to have a wall of fame, where alumni can let us know what path they have taken after leaving Mari-Linn.”
Parson Designs, a Mari-Linn alum-owned business, has designed T-shirts and sweatshirts with vintage
hornet and ML insignia 1949-2019 commemorating the event. Items can be purchased at
www.parsons-designs.com/store.
“People wishing to save shipping costs can opt for the in-store pickup and we will get them to Mari-Linn where folks can pick them up,” Harbison said.
Mari-Linn is a Positive Behavior Support school with three rules: Be Responsible, Be Respectful and Be Safe. Expected behaviors are posted in every classroom and common area, including the cafeteria, library, computer lab, hallways and restrooms. Students are recognized for exhibiting these behaviors individually, as a class, and as a whole school. Successes are celebrated quarterly at an assembly where students are recognized for their achievements both academically and behaviorally.
“We also value our parent and community volunteers,” Harbison said. “They support our students in a variety of ways, from playground supervision to listening to a student read. Students and staff take time to not only learn together, but to also enjoy life and play.”
Harbison added, “We are really looking forward to hosting this event for our beloved school.”
For more information, call 503-859-2154.
