This year marks a momentous milestone for both Hopewell Elementary and Toll Gate Grammar School, as the institutions proudly celebrate their 100th anniversary. Founded in 1925, the schools have been cornerstones of their communities, shaping the lives of generations of students with a commitment to academic excellence, character development, and community service.
To commemorate the centennial at Toll Gate Grammar School, the opening ceremonies included the recognition of Toll Gate alumni. Among the alumni present for the first day were Martha H. Devlin and Mary Ellen Devlin. Both are the great-granddaughters of William P. Howe, who donated the property on South Main Street where Toll Gate was built. Toll Gate Grammar School will host a series of events throughout the year to celebrate the centennial. The festivities will include historical exhibits and assemblies provided by Hopewell Valley Historical Society, a student centennial showcase, building tours, and an alumni reunion in May during Pennington Day.
Toll Gate will also launch a centennial project to honor its rich history. This includes the creation of a time capsule and a mural created by our art enrichment students to reflect key moments from our school’s history.
Hopewell Elementary School is excited to celebrate its 100th anniversary with a variety of events and activities throughout the year! At the end of last school year, we held a special student logo design contest, and the winning logo is now proudly displayed throughout our school and on our website. Families and community members can also look forward to school tours, an artifact display highlighting our rich history, and staff and former student panel discussions. We’ll reveal the contents of an old time capsule and prepare a new one to be buried for future generations.
Our celebrations will extend into the community with an Alumni Tent at the PTO’s Annual Back-to-School Carnival and a booth at the Hopewell Harvest Fair, which will include guided tours during select hours. In addition, students will take part in walking tours of the Borough, where presenters from the Hopewell Museum and Historical Society will share their knowledge and stories. Students will also help commemorate this milestone through a year-long book creation project, capturing their reflections and experiences. Together, these events honor our past, celebrate our present, and look ahead to the next 100 years of Hopewell Elementary.
Reaching 100 years is a testament to the dedication of our staff, the support of our community, and the achievements of our students, past and present. We are proud of our legacies and excited about the future. Community members, former faculty, and current students are encouraged to participate in the events, which aim to bridge the past with the future.
For more information about the centennial events and how to get involved, visit the school’s website at HVRSD.org
Here’s to another century of excellence at Hopewell Elementary and Toll Gate Grammar!
