Engraved commemorative brick dedicated to the community

Diane Cash, PFC Co-president presented a beautifully engraved commemorative brick from the PFC to the school. This brick, which will be the cornerstone of a path to be laid in the outdoor classroom, along with other engraved commemorative bricks purchased by Thornhill families, can be viewed in the school lobby over the next few weeks.

Proclamation from the Mayor's office

Steve McKiernan, Dad’s Club president read a proclamation from Mayor Dellums proclaiming November 12, 2008 as Thornhill Elementary School Day. (Assisted by Dean Swennumson, student council president.

Thank you Barbara Lee

Stella Moore

A letter from Congresswoman Barbara Lee congratulating Thornhill School on its anniversary was read by Thornhill mom, Stella Moore.

Bagpipes lead the way

The ceremony began when Thornhill dad, Rory MacArthur, led a procession of the student council (Dean Swennumson, Matthew Won, Olivia Fishlow, Hannah Fishlow, Logan Sopchak and Caitlen Moser) into the packed multipurpose room bellowing music from the bagpipes. Breath-taking!

Followed by our Sally Foster chair and amazing singer, Carolyn Gregory, who led the crowd in the Star Spangled Banner and was accompanied on piano by Kay Carter, 2nd grade teacher and parent of former Thornhill students.

Classical entertainment from Ms Revelli and students

Classical music performed by Ms Shauna Revelli - 3rd Grade teacher, Mimi Shalf, Gabriel Gartland and Blanca Seiter played in the background while guests arrived for the event.

November 12th 2008 - making history!

Smiling, happy faces as they watch a video of Thornhill through the years.

The Rededication Ceremony, which took place last Wednesday, was held before a standing room only crowd. Students, teachers and parents from the last 50 years were present for the ceremony which included a welcome from 5th grade teacher and past Thornhill student, Rob Wilkins, and principal, Sallyann Tomlin. Dr. Gary Yee, from the Oakland Board of Education and the Honorable Dick Spees, former Oakland City Councilman, both praised Thornhill School for its success in education and for the efforts by teachers, staff and parents in making Thornhill a shining star in the Oakland Unified School District and the whole state of California. What a night filled with joy, happiness and tears as old friends and teachers gathered together all with a common interest - Thornhill Elementary School.

Rededication - Wed.November 12th 2008 at 6:30pm

We will celebrate the past 50 years with several events throughout the year, including a rededication ceremony on 6:30pm November 12, 2008, exactly 50 years after the original dedication held on November 12, 1958.

The image above is the official invitation designed by one of the Thornhill parents - graphic artist Sarah Horowitz.

It would be great to see you there.

CCW