SILVERHILL — Nostalgia filled the air during a cold and dreary Thursday night as the Silverhill Elementary School community gathered for a bittersweet farewell to the campus that has stood for more than a century.

"Walk to Remember," held on Dec. 5 at the school's Fourth Avenue location, invited former students, teachers and community members to take one last stroll through the historic halls before the building's demolition.

Silverhill School opened in 1898, two years after the Town of Silverhill was founded, operating initially out of a barn. The first public school building was constructed by the state in 1928-29. After a fire destroyed several classrooms in 1955, new classrooms were added in 1956. A cafeteria was built in 1958, with further additions made in 1963, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1986, 1988 and 1998.

The playground sat empty as attendees arrived to take a final walk of Silverhill Elementary on Dec. 5.

For many, including former students such as myself, the event was more than just a nostalgic gathering — it felt like reconnecting with an old friend while bidding it farewell. The halls of Silverhill Elementary hold countless memories. For me, they include the joy of meeting childhood friends, like Deirdra, Chesley and Tristan, and the invaluable lessons taught by my teachers, such as Mrs. Ramey, Mrs. McGee, Mrs. McGill and Mrs. Reinhardt.

These memories remain etched in the hearts of those who walked these halls, long after moving on to new schools, new towns or new chapters of life.

The walk offered the community a chance to reflect on the school's legacy and share stories of its impact over the decades. On social media, Silverhill school leaders echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude to attendees: "The love, tradition and history goes beyond the walls of the building but comes from and lies in the hearts of those who walked the halls in the past and in the years to come."

During the event, attendees viewed a video featuring community-submitted highlights of the school's history, which played in classrooms throughout the building.

Attendees viewed a video featuring community-submitted highlights of the school's history, which played in classrooms throughout the building. Local artist Hannah Legg, who painted a portrait of the school, offered prints and notecards of the artwork for purchase.

TURNING THE PAGE

Now, Silverhill Elementary is preparing for a new chapter. The school will soon transition to a brand-new facility on County Road 55, approximately 1.5 miles south of town.

The $30 million project is being built on a 75-acre property purchased in 2021. Construction began in April 2023, and while an exact opening date has yet to be confirmed, the new campus is expected to welcome students for the 2025-2026 school year.

Silverhill artist Hannah Legg had prints and notecards available for purchase. The artwork depicts Silverhill Elementary as it is now before the eventual demolition.

The new school will accommodate up to 1,400 students and feature modern amenities, including a cafeteria capable of seating 500 students at a time. This marks a dramatic upgrade from the current campus, built in the 1950s on 7 acres, which currently serves more than 400 students in a space straining to meet the needs of Silverhill's growing population.

The town is in the midst of a housing boom, with several new subdivisions under construction that are expected to bring an influx of families.

Following the transition, the existing campus will be demolished, with the exception of the gymnasium, according to reports. Preliminary plans suggest the site could be repurposed for a new early learning center, though details remain unconfirmed.

It was cold and dreary on Dec. 5 as former and current students, faculty and community members walked the grounds of Silverhill Elementary School, some for the last time before the school's eventual demolition.