I got a note last week from Chad VanArnhem, principal at McKinley Elementary School, which after 90 years will be closing its doors for good in June. The school has planned a "Farewell Celebration" for 4:30 p.m. May 18. He writes:

All current and former staff and students are invited to attend. The local historical societies will be present to display memorabilia. There will be a video providing a look into our school's past and present. We will have a balloon release for each year the building was open. There will be inflatables and a DJ. A photo booth will be present with the picture of the school in the background. Food, drink and handouts will be available. We will have visits from local mascots. The night will conclude with the current students signing the McKinley song that was created by our children this year. I estimate that we will have around 500 people show up for this event.
I believe that this will be a very fun and emotional night for many.

Sounds like it will be a good event for anyone who attended McKinley or who had friends or family at the school.

McKinley Elementary School is at 1200 Lost Nation Road.


-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl