Shady Hills Elementary marks 50 years as staff, alumni recall ‘family’ atmosphere

At a 50th anniversary celebration at Shady Hills Elementary School, staff, former employees and alumni gathered to mark five decades of the school’s presence in the community and to recall memories of students, teachers and families who shaped the school.

The event featured remarks from current and former staff and alumni. “The word that comes to mind is just family,” said Mrs. Eruzzi, principal of Shady Hills Elementary School, describing the atmosphere among staff, students and the surrounding community. Buffie, the school’s plant manager who said she attended kindergarten at Shady Hills, held up a photo dated 10/11/1974 and said the school “does mean a lot to me.”

Linda Brooks, who served as principal secretary from 1973 until her 1998 retirement, said her favorite memories were “the children” and noted letters from parents thanking her for time spent with their children. Frankie, a Hudson High School student and former Shady Hills pupil, said the teachers were what he loved most: “They’re really nice people, really great.” Tom Barker, assistant superintendent and a former principal at Shady Hills, praised the staff and community and called the school a “family oriented hidden gem” with high expectations for students.

Speakers emphasized long-term staff commitment and community ties. Brooks noted she worked at the school for 30 years. Buffie said she started at the school when it first opened and that she may retire from the school, underscoring multi-decade staff continuity. Event remarks included references to historical materials from the school’s opening era, including the 1974 kindergarten photograph.

The celebration concluded with a forward-looking note from attendees and district leadership. “Here’s to another 50 years at Shady Hills Elementary School,” an event participant said, closing the brief program of reminiscence and appreciation.