SCC

F. H. JENKINS 100th ANNIVERSARY YEAR CELEBRATION

01/16/10

 This past year of celebrating F.H. Jenkins Elementary School’s one-hundredth year of providing premier Christian education has been an unforgettable one.   Among its many attributes, Jenkins holds the legacy of being the oldest Accredited African American Elementary School in the Nashville Metro Area.
 
The pre-celebration began in 2008 sending out eighteen thousand invitations into the nearby communities inviting citizens to a grand Open House. The response was overwhelming as approximately one hundred people poured in to the hallways to observe “Jenkins in action”. The former President, Benjamin Browne opened the day with an inspiring devotional thought from Africa that held the students attention. Superintendent Erma Lee, Associate Superintendent Angenette Hill, and representatives from the Tennessee Education Department were among the many visitors to be greeted by parent volunteers. Visitors observed teachers using the most current standard-based instruction, students interacting with the latest state-of-the-art technology, and hallways displaying artifacts of skill mastery. Visiting children spent the day in the classroom to experience the magical touch of Jenkins.
 
Right up to the pre-planned week of October 12, gospel radio broadcasted various events, the local newspaper detailed its history and resilience to survive in a time of economic crisis, and a local TV station highlighted various events including the school-wide Washington D. C. trip to the Presidential Inauguration on January 19, 2009. Jenkins’ Student Council began its own Spirit Week celebration with Dress Down days, school rallies, a live safari animal show, and a birthday party.
 
Friends of Jenkins Committee began the Homecoming Weekend activities where hundreds of alumni, friends and well wishers attended the Friday night Meet and Greet Musical, overflowed the sanctuary during Sabbath services at Riverside Chapel with Elder Roy Gaiter as the speaker, and culminated with a formal banquet on Sunday afternoon. It was truly an exceptional year for Jenkins.
 
This celebration has not been forgotten as the Alumni Association was formed to continue the legacy of a school that sent hundreds into the professional, theatrical and aesthetic fields of study. As Jenkins settles back into its mode of educating children, the momentum does not end. March 17, 2010 begins the next Open House and the call to let Nashville know that it is still in the business of “Providing an atmosphere where each student can prepare academically and spiritually for service.”
 

--Queen Robinson