By Sarah Campbell
scampbell@salisburypost.com
FAITH — When Jackie Maloney became principal at Faith Elementary School in 2007, she noticed something unique about the community.
“There is so much love in this community for their hometown school,” she said. “There are generations upon generations of students who have come through here and enjoyed the education they received at Faith.”
Maloney hopes launching a Faith Elementary Alumni Association will honor and preserve that past.
The group has already begun forming with members ranging from Carson High School senior Dylan Eagle to former principal Bob Shive, who served the school from 1969 to 1998.
An alumni dinner is set for 5:30 p.m. May 5 at the school, something Maloney is hoping will become an annual event.
“My intent was to have another community event that pull everyone together,” Maloney said.
Gloria Wilhelm, who graduated from the school in 1967, said she’s looking forward to being an active member of the association.
“I really like the idea,” she said. “The more people you get together the more memories appear.”
Eagle said as he graduates this year, he likes the idea of being able to come back to Faith every year.
“I think it’s great,” he said. “There are so many people from this area who went to Faith and have a connection to Faith … it’s a great way to keep up all together as we go our separate ways.”
Eagle’s father, Scott Eagle, and grandmother, Sherry Eagle, also attended Faith. His sister, Paige, currently goes to the school, so his entire family plans to be part of the group.
Maloney said she would also like to create a digital history and a database that includes names and addresses of alumni.
“I want the children here to have an appreciation for the school, where it comes from and where it’s going,” she said.
All graduates of Faith are welcome to join the group and Maloney expects a crowd at the dinner in May.
“I think the alumni association is something that the community is craving,” she said.
Find out more about the organization or sign up for the alumni dinner by calling Maloney at 704-279-3195.
Contact reporter Sarah Campbell at 704-797-7683.