Parkside Elementary School Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary

Photos by David Volz

Susan Colton remembers coming to Parkside Elementary School before construction on the building was finished.

It was the year 2000, and as the school’s first principal, Colton hired teachers and staff and prepared for the first day in a new school. She also created a pleasant environment for educators and students.

“We selected a mascot, the panther, and built a great staff. We came together as a family and had the best school in the district,” said Colton.

The Parkside community came together on the morning of April 4 to celebrate the school’s first 25 years.

All the students and teachers assembled on the school’s playground, and leaders from Coral Springs complimented the school for its many accomplishments. The Coral Glades High School band and cheerleaders performed, and the Parkside Chorus sang the school’s 25th anniversary song. Students and staff gave the Parkside cheer.

A group of former Parkside teachers attended the celebration and shared positive memories. Rita Geller, who taught third grade, said, “We had the best school, and I loved teaching here.”

Lakay Wilkerson has taught at Parkside since it opened and leads reading support. “Colton created a positive culture, and I remember all the fun we had together. One year, we took a train ride together,” she said.

The school continues to have a culture of caring and success. Laneia Hall, the current Parkside principal, praised the work of the teachers and students. “We are the best school in Broward, and we have great teachers who care about the students,” she said.

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Author Profile

David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.

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