There is a humorous saying about celebrating a fiftieth birthday: “Remember how exciting it was to turn five? You should be ten times that excited to turn fifty.”

On Thursday, May 28, current and former students and their families, current and former staff, District 59 board members, and the entire community celebrated Robert Frost Elementary School’s fiftieth birthday.

The celebration, which began when doors opened at 5:00 pm and was kicked off by current principal Jessica McCormick, included a large variety of festivities. Boy and Girl Scout troop members started the event with a flag ceremony, former principal Dr. Tom Seaton presented “Frost: Then and Now”, and students performed songs and poems for the large group of attendees who came to celebrate.

Guests were then able to walk the hallways at their leisure to view a large variety of student presentations, displays and artwork that included culture, events, trivia, highlights, and history of the last fifty years. All throughout the school’s rooms, students spoke to visitors about everything from landing on the moon to introductions of cartoons. Students showed an impressive amount of creativity and excitement in their presentations, using everything from Chromebooks to crayons to cover the changes that have occurred in the last fifty years. In addition to the students’ presentations, artwork, photos, and videos throughout the school documented the school’s rich history and the many students who attended the school.

Many former teachers and former students stopped in, including Mount Prospect Crime Prevention Officer Greg Sill. Officer Sill said of the experience, “It was simply amazing to be able to thank those teachers who guided and supported me through my years at Robert Frost. It was long overdue, and I am the person I am today, in the profession I am in today, because of these wonderful teachers.”

Refreshments were served at the event, including five birthday cakes, and many pastries that were generously donated by Jarosch’s Bakery. Other activities included a Robert Frost spirit wear t-shirt sale, arts and crafts, live music, and a raffle drawing.

Mrs. McCormick said of the event, “This was truly a celebration. It is exciting to participate in an event where many generations come together to share information, reminisce, and learn from each other. This is a memory that I hope our students, staff, and community will be happy to remember for many years to come.”

Dr. Art Fessler, Superintendent of Schools for CCSD59, agreed, “It was quite thrilling to see multiple generations of current and former students, staff and families celebrate the 50 year anniversary of Robert Frost Elementary School. The PTO, Frost families, school staff and school administrators planned a fabulous event.”

The event was a true display of the bonds that can be forged and nurtured at the elementary school level. Officer Sill summarized it well, commenting, “To be able to give back to the community and the schools who have given me so much throughout my life is phenomenal. The connection shared with the students at Robert Frost allows walls to be broken down faster, and stronger bonds to be formed between students and ‘Officer Friendly’ when I come and visit to discuss safety and police officers with them.”