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Education Center, formerly Edgeboro ES, celebrates 100 years

Published October 01. 2024 01:35PM
by Dana Grubb Special to the Bethlehem Press

For 54 years of its life, the current day BASD Education Center served the Bethlehem community as Edgeboro School. Since 1979 it has been the hub for the administration of the Bethlehem Area School District.

On Sept. 14, the building’s longevity in service was celebrated for the 100 years that it has been home to both students and administrators. “It has been the embodiment of a community,” says BASD superintendent Dr. Jack Silva.

A committee comprised of former students and former district employees was chaired by BASD communications coordinator Barbara Clymer and executive assistant to the superintendent Arlene Vargas. Over a series of meetings they developed the celebration.

On Sept. 14 attendees were greeted by the BASD alumni band performing outside the entrance. BASD instrumental music teacher Keegan Lerch directed as former students and current and past district employees milled about waiting to enter.

The first former student to arrive was current Freemansburg Mayor Gerald Yob. The 95-year-old Yob had attended Edgeboro School for one year in 1934.

For a number of people there were mini reunions of classmates and co-workers who hadn’t seen each other in years.

During a brief presentation, Clymer, Silva and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Maureen Leeson welcomed and addressed the crowd assembled inside the former school auditorium. Leeson also read a proclamation from Mayor J. William Reynolds, that declared ‘Edgeboro Day’ in Bethlehem.

The highlight for many seemed to be tours of the building. On the first floor photos from the building’s past, which had been provided by many in the community, were set up on easels for easy viewing. Many could be seen pointing to their classes, classmates and themselves in photos from when Edgeboro was an elementary school.

Each of the current offices (formerly classrooms) had a large sheet of paper hung on the opened door on which participants could reminisce about what the room used to be. Many commented about a teacher, a grade attended, or an office use.

For three hours time was turned back for the estimated 200 or more community members who celebrated the 100 years that the Edgeboro School/Education Center has served the community.

Refreshments included cupcakes, fruit cups, a sheet cake comprised of cupcakes and beverages, all were provided by BASD dining services.

PRESS PHOTOS BY DANA GRUBBThe 100th anniversary committee is comprised of current and past BASD employees and former Edgeboro students. From left: Melanie Bath, Cindy Grebs, Nancy Becker, Sharon Rohal, Ronald Szabo, Barbara Clymer, Carol Lawrence and Arlene Vargas.
Richard Groman attended Edgeboro School from 1962 to 1968 and is wearing a lanyard with his second and fourth grade photos.
100th anniversary committee chairperson Barbara Clymer, with 95-year-old Gerald Yob, who attended Edgeboro School in 1934.
Edgeboro School classmates Diane Hutchinson and Donna Hyun take a selfie at the event.
Under the direction of Keegan Lerch, the BASD alumni band performs our national anthem.
These four classmates attended Edgeboro School from 1972 through the school’s closing after the 1978-79 school year.From left: Joanie Vargo, Chris Sexton, Melody Gallagher and Cheryl VargoMore photos on A3.
Some of those who attended listen to speeches by BASD officials.
Steve Glickman found some of his class photos on displays of memorabilia in the first floor hallway.
Many attendees recognized themselves in photos that had been provided for the celebration.
A long ago desk, T-shirt, and book were among Edgeboro School memorabilia that was on display.
“The stories of this building live on,” says current BASD superintendent Dr. Jack Silva.