Riverbend Elementary School opened its doors to the community for one last “goodbye” as it prepares to merge with White Sulfur Elementary School to become Sandra Dunagan Deal Elementary School.
During Sunday’s final walk, parents, faculty, and students past and current gathered in the school’s gym to share their fondest memories and express excitement for the upcoming move.
Among those reminiscing on the school’s past was Paula Allen, who began attending Riverbend in 1945.
“It was like one big family, everyone who grew up in this neighborhood that went to school here,” Allen recalled. “We had a chapel program…we had a devotional and a song. And sometimes, I would play the piano. Just so many memories. Great teachers that stayed in contact with your parents and were always open to talk to them.”
Hall County Board of Education Member and former Riverbend Elementary School Principal Dr. Debra Smith also walked the halls one last time. Dr. Smith highlighted that after over a decade of serving Riverbend, the school’s sense of community stayed with her long after her time there.
“I had the most fabulous teachers and students and parents and phenomenal partners, and they had people that supported our school and we just had, like a big family,” Dr. Smith said. “ And I loved it! And when I retired, I missed it so much. And I'm sad about today, but I'm so excited that they're getting a new school.”
Dr. Smith also highlighted the impact education has on a community.
“To me, education is probably the most important thing in our community…the teachers here love kids and love the community and worked hard, and I think it just changes your whole community in the way they look at education, and how they conduct themselves and just preparing them for the future, preparing them to step up and be the next generation that runs our community.”
Riverbend originally opened in 1932. PTO president Tyler Smiley said the school has been a generational connector in his family, with both his wife and children attending. He noted that as a parent, he looks forward to his children continuing their education at the upcoming Sandra Dunagan Deal Elementary School, which will merge both Riverbend and White Sulfur Elementary School.
“Principal Smith has done a great job getting us ready for this new school,” Smiley said. “We're excited about what the future holds. We're sad to miss Riverbend, but we're excited about the new start a fresh start and a continued vision of being at a great school.”
