Students at Royall elementary sat in their chairs and dabbed their eyes with tissue during the final moments of the school year.
Thursday, was a last day of school like none other for Royall Elementary, which is closing because a new facility will take its place.
“We have loved this building and taken care of it for every year that it’s been here and you can tell when you walk in that this school has always been home to lots of Florence families,” said Principal Julie Smith.
The school is a home to many generations.
“My wife has been teaching here for about ten years. My parents went to this school and this place has just been a fixture for Florence for many many decades,” says Bubba Dubose.
Catherine Denny is a teacher of 15 years at Royall Elementary and a parent. She says her heart is filled with memories.
“I have two children that were very fortunate to be able to walk the halls of this beautiful building. One of the things that saddens me the most is that they won’t be able to go through sixth grade here,” said Denny.
Serving more than 32 years and working with over 40,000 students, Smith says the strive for excellence will continue.
“This year we earned the title of National Blue Ribbon school of excellence in which is the highest award any school can ever achieve and besides that we’ve had great times with great kids and a great staff,” stated Smith.
Packing up memories to take along.
“The thought of leaving some of those things behind. I know it’s just stuff, but it’s stuff that means a lot to me,” says Denny
Enough to last a lifetime
“Farewell to a school that has been special to the Florence community and especially to me,” said Smith.
The current building on Woods Road is 66 years old.
The new Royall Elementary will be located on Cheraw Drive and will open for students at the start of the 2015 school year.