FORT BENNING, Ga., (June 1, 2016) -- On the last day of school in Loyd Elementary School's last year, students, faculty and parents gathered in the cafeteria May 27 to watch the end of the year talent show.
"We've been doing the talent show every year for quite some time," said Mamie Rush, one of the school's teachers.
"It's a good way to end the year, especially this time around. We wanted to leave the kids feeling upbeat," she added.
Rush served as emcee throughout the event. During the talent show, students from each grade level performed. There were also group acts featuring entire classes.
"It's bittersweet watching them perform today with the school closing. My son was only here a year and a half, but he had a good time," said Andrea Gil, mother of second-grader Aubrey Gil who performed alongside his class in the talent show.
During the talent show, select teachers received awards ranging from "Class Clown" to "Best Dressed."
"It's been sad, but at the same time it's been a great experience for all of us," said Kathryn Huffman, who earned the "Nicest Teacher" award.
"I was shocked, but very overwhelmed by the kindness of it," said Huffman about getting the award.
The talent show ended with a video presentation of students, faculty and staff singing along to music producer Pharrell's "Happy." The video was created with the help of WRBL News, one of Loyd Elementary School's Partners in Education.
Following the talent show, students were dismissed from Loyd Elementary School for the final time at noon.
Rush, who was given the "Most Participating Teacher" award at the talent show, reflected on her time at Loyd Elementary School saying, "I've been here since 1987. And it's been the most wonderful experience. We really are a Family."
"I just want to say that it's been a privilege working at Loyd Elementary School, watching these kids grow. I just hope that they're successful wherever they may go," added Dadrian Hartman, one of the school's custodians.
"This has been the most beautiful experience for me and the teachers at Frank R. Loyd Elementary School. To be able to teach military children and give them our love has been wonderful. I know that they'll be able to go in different directions and be successful. That's how we serve," said Julita Martinez, the school's principal.
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