FORT BENNING, Ga., (Jan. 27 2016) -- "To infinity and beyond ... "
That's the Loyd Elementary School motto this school year, and despite the upcoming closure of the school, faculty, staff and students are remaining positive and taking time to remember the school's dedicatee, Frank Riley Loyd, said Julita Martinez, Loyd Elementary School principal.
Loyd Elementary School opened in 1959. Loyd died in the Korean War and the school was dedicated in his honor.
His legacy will remain on Fort Benning even after the school is closed, Martinez said.
In August 2015, Martinez learned that the school had only one year left. She said informing the school's staff was emotional.
"I said we need to be strong, have faith, be kind and be generous because we owe it to our children," Martinez said. "We cannot let the children see us sad. We need to make this a learning opportunity."
To boost morale among teachers and students, many activities involving the Families and their kids have been scheduled throughout the school year.
The main goal is to dedicate many of the events to Frank Loyd, said Martinez.
"What we want children to remember is that Frank Loyd is a hero, and so are their parents," said Martinez. "The sacrifices Loyd made and the sacrifices the parents make on a daily basis are what we teach them to be grateful for."
Some activities include a ball for students and parents, a field day and a talent show. Students will commemorate their time at Loyd at the end of the school year, May 2-6, where they will open a time capsule, show off their writing skills in a Frank Loyd essay contest, participate in a Family fun day and much more.
Adding to the celebration of Loyd, Lt. Col. Jim Pangelinan, 2nd Battalion, 58th Infantry Regiment, organized a scavenger hunt at the National Infantry Museum for the children, said Michelle Ossa, Partners in Education coordinator. She said the museum trip was important because students learned what their parents do for work, and it helped them understand Frank Loyd's legacy.
"It was really cool when they found Frank Loyd in the museum," said Ossa. "They were like 'That is Frank Loyd!' and were very excited about it."
Ossa said Loyd Elementary School has a legacy. It is known for its popular choir, directed by Mamie Rush, Loyd's music teacher and a recipient of the 2015 Secretary of Defense Award for Outstanding Department of Defense Employees and Service Members with Disabilities.
Additionally, Loyd is renowned for its multi-cultural nights, countless awards, its decorated history and its ongoing support and partnerships with WRBL and Kinetic Credit Union.
Loyd Elementary is the only school on Fort Benning that has its own flag, Martinez said.
"There is a lot of uniqueness to Loyd," said Ossa. "We are sad to see it go."
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