BAHS turns 100
Bradford Area High School alumni came out in droves to celebrate the school’s 100th birthday Friday afternoon. The auditorium was filled with old friends reuniting and old stories being retold.
The ceremony opened with a performance by the Bradford Owls Marching Band. Alumni of the band, some who haven’t played since graduating, came up and joined the youth for a rendition of “African Symphony” — the school’s traditional fight song.
The combination of young and old performing together served as a good metaphor for the larger event at hand. During this celebration of the school’s first 100 years, the crowd was invited to step back into history.
“It is clear that our ancestors had the same deep passion and love for Bradford that we do today,” said Shane Oschman, school board president. He drew the crowd’s mind back to 1925, when the school building was a dream of our forefathers.
“A dream is what this building means to the district,” said Oschman. “It’s all about the dream that makes the students that are in this room.”
It is the community of students and faculty that gives the building its vibrant energy and continuing place of importance in our community.
“This building is just a building without having dreams, without teachings, without friendships, without ambitions or activities,” said Oschman.
He wondered about the inevitable progress of the next 100 years.
“The wonderful progress of the past half century causes the mind to stagger in contemplation of what the next 100 years could bring forth,” said Oschman.
No matter what changes the world may see, humanity must continue to be guided by the principles of intellectual and moral and spiritual progress that benefits all humanity.
“Keeping always in mind that all the wonders that there are or are to be are simply a part of the evidence of the power and wisdom of almighty God,” said Oschman.
As head of the Alumni Association, Bill Moore was pleased to see such a strong turnout for the event. He graduated with the class of 1952 and went into the service. He worked out-of-town for a while before returning to his hometown of Bradford. That was 60 years ago now, and Moore says he can’t imagine living anywhere else.
“People here come together in an amazing way that I just didn’t see in other places,” said Moore.
Many things have changed since he was a student at BAHS. Moore said one of the best improvements has been the level of integration and inclusivity the district has managed to reach.
“The students these days are very well rounded and involved in so many activities,” said Moore. “It seems like the kids are more a part of the school than ever.”
Like many in the crowd, Moore found the time capsule to be an especially interesting part of the festivities. Inside were many items including copies of The Bradford Era, Bradford Herald and Bradford Star. Also included were letters from local politicians and dignitaries, a copy of the Bible and a silver “Peace” dollar.
“It was very neat to see them open that time capsule and see all the back-and-forth documentation about building this school,” said Moore. “It just goes to show you that this school has always been a point of pride in this community.”
Dean of Students, Ken Coffman, is a proud graduate of the class of 1981. He said his career brought him back to the same halls he roamed as a youth.
“I am blessed to have had the opportunity to have been a part of Bradford high school for the last 32 years,” said Coffman. “So, I have a bit of a unique perspective on this school.”
Throughout the years, Coffman has been drawn to the history of Bradford high school and the rich culture created by its students and alumni.
“I enjoy looking at the pictures which are a visual timeline of our history because it reminds me of what my purpose has been and what it should be during the remainder of my time here,” said Coffman. “It helps me appreciate what this school means to all of us and the significance that it has had in our community.”
He reminded everyone that the real magic of a high school is not in its floors or desks. The true lifeblood of any school is the people within it, day in and day out.
“Even though we have walked these hallways at different times we share the common experience,” said Coffman. “This building welcomed each and every one of us when it was our time and provided us with a safe place to grow.”
