Students from the Class of 2026 were only in third grade at the former Glebe Street Elementary School when they buried a time capsule in honor of the school’s landmark 50th anniversary celebration back in 2017.
After nine years of anticipation, the original teachers and students gathered once again to unearth a piece of their collective history. The special occasion was led by then-Principal Abbey North – who served as the school’s leader from 2012 to 2019 – alongside dedicated educators including Mr. Mylott, Mrs. Preston, Mrs. Ammann, Mrs. Caputo, Mrs. Cox, Ms. O’Keefe, and Ms. Bishop.
Of the seven teachers and principal, four teachers still work for the district in some capacity. “My years leading Glebe were simply the best and I am so happy the entire team could come back for this moment,” said Mrs. North.
Reflecting on nine years of growth
Opening the time capsule served as more than just an exercise in reminiscing; it was a moment for connecting the past with the present. Students and their families came together to celebrate these shared memories at a pivotal time, just as the seniors prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives following graduation.
“Watching them open the capsule now, as young adults, and reconnect with their younger selves is something I’ve always looked forward to,” said Mrs. North “Though I no longer work for GJSD, I have followed some of the students’ successes over the years, and they have a lot to be proud of.”
Preserving memories
Maintaining traditions from the original 2017 event, the JHS PTSA arranged for Pop Pop’s Ice Cream Truck to be present, allowing everyone to enjoy a sweet treat. During the celebration, Mrs. North took a moment to look back at the school’s 50th birthday milestone, noting that time capsules were buried not only for the Class of 2026 but also for their younger peers at Glebe. They plan to repeat this event next year for the Class of 2027. GJSD Director of Facilities Dave Wood, who constructed the time capsules to be resilient against elements like water, soil, and wildlife, was present to assist in unsealing the vessel.
A look back at childhood
This gathering offered a unique opportunity for the community to revisit the past and cherish the individual and collective journeys of students. Participants enjoyed many laughs as they examined the students’ childhood self-portraits, recorded interests and the strings that once measured their height. The event offered a chance to reflect on nearly ten years of growth while paying tribute to the formative experiences of their early school years.
“I hope they see how much they’ve grown, but also how much has stayed the same — their curiosity, their kindness and interests,” said Mrs. North. “I want them to understand that the things they valued at seven and eight years old still matter. And I hope it reminds them that the choices they make today are worth preserving.”
“This special event was a meaningful reminder of the lasting connections formed throughout a student’s educational journey and that our students’ stories are rooted in the support of their teachers, families, schools, and the greater Johnstown community” said Superintendent Alicia D. Koster. “ I am grateful to Mrs. Abbey North and the teachers who helped bring this moment full circle for the Class of 2026 and made it so memorable for our students and families as they prepare to graduate,” Koster noted.