Marking a rare educational feat, Harmony Elementary School in Buford, Ga., prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary with a grand community event on Sunday, January 21. Current and former families, students, staff, and distinguished guests will gather to commemorate a century of learning and community spirit. 

     The festivities begin at 2:00 p.m. with an official ceremony in the school's original gymnasium, a 1962 addition to the historic campus. Harmony Elementary Principal Jonathan Day will extend a warm welcome, followed by greetings from Gwinnett County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Calvin J. Watts, Board of Education member Steven Knudsen, and a current Harmony educator. Among the honored guests will be Harmony's oldest known alumnus, who walked the school halls from 1938 to 1947, and members of the Board of Education. The Harmony Orff Ensemble is scheduled to perform and is led by Lydia Lee, who was chosen as the school's Teacher of the Year. 

     Following the ceremony, guests will witness the opening of the school's time capsule, buried at the 90th anniversary, which will unveil cherished memories serving as a testament to the school's enduring legacy. Light refreshments and commemorative items will be available for all to enjoy. For those yearning for a stroll down memory lane, student ambassadors will provide guided tours through the school's historical footprints, dating back to its current building's construction in 1957. The school’s Media Center will serve as center stage for treasured memories, showcasing photos, letters, and yearbooks from different eras, evoking nostalgia and pride in the school's rich history. 

     Principal Jonathan Day says, “It has been my honor to serve as Harmony’s principal for the past five years. Our staff has worked hard to plan a celebration that honors the current and former staff while highlighting the Harmony community. I feel honored to be entrusted with the opportunity to build Harmony’s legacy into the next century.” 

     Harmony Elementary invites the community to be a part of this historic celebration. Located at 3946 South Bogan Road in Buford, the school welcomes RSVPs through a dedicated link on its website.