When Oak Park Elementary School closes it's doors at the end of the school year next week, it will be for the last time. That didn't stop those in attendance at a special ceremony to commemorate the school's history from focusing on happier times.
Oak Park students, past and present staff and alumni gathered in the school's gymnasium Thursday evening to share stories about their favorite memories, look at displays of decades worth of photos and memorabilia and celebrate the 111 year history of the school.
"I attended Oak Park in the original building, in 1932, back when it was at Rose and Webster," said Mel Gee of Traverse City.
"I'm sure going to miss this place," said Gee who stops by the school nearly every day, after eating breakfast at Round's, to talk to the students.
Former principals Glen Merchant, Ed Grassa and Dr. Meg Oberlin spoke on the sense of community they always felt during their tenure at the school.
"As Oak Park winds down, it reminds me of the African folk tale, 'it takes a village to raise a child,' Oak Park really does that. There is such a sense of community, unlike any other school I've been at," said Oberlin who was Oak Park Elementary School principal in the mid '80s.
Current principal, Eric Dreier gave credit for the school's years of success to the community as well.
"Schools are a reflection of a community. Oak Park has been a remarkable learning environment," Dreier said.
Shirley Termain Wehr and her family have shared a common history with Oak Park Elementary. Four generations of her family attended the school.
"It's sad. I have a lot of memories here, as a student, parent, grandparent and now great grandparent," Wehr said.
Current students shared their favorite memories by lining the halls with essays and drawings.
"My favorite memory of Oak Park is when I lost my tooth during latch key in my bagel and when I lost a tooth when I was playing football," wrote Oak Park second-grader Ben Patterson.