CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Carmichael’s oldest school has begun its 101^st year. Carmichael Elementary (Sutter Avenue) opened its doors for Centenary celebrations last week. An estimated 600 past and present students -- and many former teachers -- attended family-style festivities.

The formal program included a performance of the school song. Borrowing melody from the US Army’s “Caisson Song,” the school’s previous Principal, Brandei Smith, authored its lyrics. The “Cougar Song,” declares:

“We are bright, we don’t fight -- we will always choose the right -- as the Cougars go rolling along (Rah! Rah!)…”

Oldest reunion participant was Jack Pefley, 94, a WW II veteran who trudged to school from his family’s Palm Drive farm during the 1920s. He and siblings began three generations of his clan to attend the institution. Youngest centenary attendees included 2018 kindergarten pupils.

Community founder and realtor Daniel Carmichael donated ten acres to establish the two-room Carmichael School in 1917. Hosting Farm Bureau dinners and church services during the Depression, the school also served as a community town hall.  Baby-boom years saw huge school graduating classes.  Administered by the San Juan Unified School District, Carmichael Elementary now has 400 pupils from kindergarten to Fifth Grade.

Though the 100-year milestone was reached last year, festivities were designed for the 2018 spring semester. Near neighbor since 1931, the Crossroads Church co-sponsored the event with hotdog dinners for all comers.  A history display included old yearbooks and vintage teachers’ clothing; a 1917 school bus recalled transport in founding years; a mock pirate ship catered for energetic attendees; a contest offered naming rights for the school mascot. After speeches and presentations, the program show-stopper starred kindergarten pupils singing and signing Louis Armstrong’s “Wonderful Word.”

Among alumni staff, two contemporary school principals attended. Principal Brandei Smith master-minded the centennial but recently transferred to head Howe Avenue Elementary. Principal Marianne Williams takes the Carmichael Elementary job in August. Williams predicts high achievement for Carmichael charges. “I’m passionate that all students should receive an education that prepares them for college or for a career,” says Williams. “Carmichael has a long and rich history. I’m humbled by the opportunity to lead this school into its second century.”