Rialto’s Bemis Elementary School celebrates 50th anniversary

Decades of memories filled Bemis Elementary as the school recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Rialto Unified School District officials, students, staff and alumni were among the hundreds who helped mark the milestone Nov. 17 during a commemorative event held on campus.

Purple, black and white were the prevailing colors during the celebration as guests explored historical items on display, including a memory wall lined with medals, trophies, yearbooks and history of namesake Levi Alvin Bemis.

Highlights of the celebration included reflection speeches and performances by the Eisenhower High School Jazz Band, Rialto High School color guards, ballet folklorico dancers and songs by students.

“We are excited about our 50th year anniversary called, Celebrating Our Past and Transforming Our Future,” Bemis Principal Danielle Osonduagwuike said, in a news release. “Our students and staff members have been honoring the decades of the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s by dressing up and learning about the inventions that have helped to transform science, technology, and everyday activities that we enjoy today.”

But the celebration doesn’t stop there.

Additional activities for students, staff, and parents are planned for the remainder of the school year, the release said.