Perry Center celebrates 100 years of Grand Blanc education

GRAND BLANC, MI — Grand Blanc celebrated 100 years of education at the Perry Center with community members, students and alumni.

On Saturday, May 14, the centennial event was celebrated with the official opening of the Perry Centennial Pavilion, food trucks, student tours of the building, and the opportunity to speak with the oldest living graduate in the Grand White, Mary Evatt Gainor.

“Today we celebrate the centennial of our Perry Center,” said Grand Blanc Schools Superintendent Trevor Alward. “It was opened on January 9, 1922, but we wanted to wait for warmer weather to celebrate with our community. It’s something our entire district celebrates because we have a long tradition of excellence. honor this history and propel into the future.

During the event, members of the community were invited into classrooms where pre-recorded interviews with former students were played on loop to allow new students to hear their school’s story.

At 103, Gainor came to Perry and met with students and other alumni to share her personal experiences at Perry.

Gainor not only graduated from Grand Blanc schools, but she also taught English to college students in Grand Blanc for most of her career.

“It’s wonderful to be back, to visit and to see that the buildings are still standing. How important and important education is for each generation to take the hand of the previous generation and carry on certain traditions and attitudes for centuries,” said Gainor.

After taking a student-led tour around the building, attendees participated in outdoor games, activities, and had the chance to walk around and view the Perry Centennial Pavilion.

The 20-square-foot pavilion with picnic tables, benches and garden beds with a concrete foundation located just outside the Perry Center cost $50,000 to build. The pavilion will be used for years to come as an outdoor classroom.

Nearly 100 Grand Blanc high school students contributed to the new piece of Grand Blanc Community Schools history.

The Perry Center received a historical marker in 2013 through the Michigan Historical Commission. The building currently houses the Perry Innovation Center with students in grades 2-8, Kindergarten, Curriculum Department, and Technology Services Department.

“As long as there are children, the school is at the heart of community activities,” Gainor said.