Fair Oaks Elementary School will mark its centennial with a community celebration on May 2, according to an announcement on Apr. 16. The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the school’s location in Highland Springs and is open to all members of the community.
The centennial theme, “Moving forward while looking back,” highlights a century of education, tradition, and service at Fair Oaks Elementary School. Free food and activities will be available for attendees. The Fair Oaks Commemorative Committee has invited former teachers, staff, students, families, and friends who have been part of the school’s history to join in the festivities. Special guests are expected to include Del. Delores L. McQuinn and Tyrone Nelson, Henrico County supervisor representing the Varina District.
Founded in 1926 as a four-room schoolhouse under the Rosenwald program, Fair Oaks Elementary was established during a period when Black communities faced significant challenges in accessing quality education. According to the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, “The Rosenwald Program was a rural school building program that helped educate Black children during a time of deep racial inequalities in public schools.” Local governments and Black communities contributed resources such as money, land, materials, and labor for these schools.
The original building was replaced by a brick structure in 1951; full racial integration took place in fall of 1970 as noted by the Henrico County Historical Society website. In March this year, the Virginia House of Delegates honored Fair Oaks Elementary with resolution HR465 for its service to the community.
Henrico County Public Schools provided educational services throughout Henrico County adjacent to Richmond according to its official website. The district focused on delivering positive learning experiences through dedicated staff as noted online, receiving accolades for teaching excellence including REB Awards according to its website. Amy Cashwell served as superintendent according to official information, guiding schools that operate under the motto “The right to achieve. The support to succeed” as stated online.
For more information about attending or participating in centennial events at Fair Oaks Elementary School on May 2nd from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., contact FairoakselementaryCommittee26@gmail.com.