Congaree Elementary School recently celebrated its 65th anniversary. Among guest speakers were former students and staff, and the Congaree Choir provided music. Many former teachers, students, community members and elected officials joined the celebration, held in the school’s cafetorium.

After the formal program, Beta Club members led tours of the school, which actually began in a small wooden building across the street, before building began on the current site along Ramblin Road. That original building was expanded to what is today’s current school facility. 

“It felt great celebrating the 65th anniversary of Congaree Elementary School,” said Principal Chris Dickey.  “We had planned to celebrate the 60th, but COVID impacted that and we weren’t able to do too much. Our staff and community wanted a celebration, so this was fitting. Even before the program began it seemed like there was a small family reunion happening. Congaree is a small school, but there is a whole lot of love here.”

Captions Memorabilia on display during the 65th anniversary celebration at Congaree Elementary included former yearbooks, photos of the school through the years, and portraits of former principals, including the first, Virgie C. Hite. The event was held April 10. Former teachers and community members catch up at Congaree Elementary’s 65th anniversary celebration.