GRANITE QUARRY — Erwin Middle School will welcome its golden birthday with song and celebration.

Community residents, alumni and current students are invited to the school Friday afternoon and evening to help mark 50 years of Eagle pride.

“The school means a lot to people, and we want to celebrate that,” Assistant Principal Jessica Allen said.

Erwin is a community school, Allen said, and many of its alumni send their children — and even grandchildren — there. In addition to fun and games, Friday’s celebration will highlight that long legacy.

The sixth-grade science department has worked year-round to help restore the school’s old nature trail, which will have its grand reopening as part of the festivities. School tours will be available to alumni and parents. Allen said staff members have pulled out 50 years worth of yearbooks for visitors to look through.

“One of the things people always say (about Erwin) is it’s like a family. … And we really want everyone to come together and celebrate this place that has been part of the community for 50 years,” she said.

Students from all grade levels worked together to create a time capsule that will be buried Friday. East Rowan High School foods classes baked a six-layer cake for guests to try.

“So it’s been a community event,” Allen said.

Outside, there will be a rock wall, laser tag, face painting, field games, a photo booth and a concession stand. These activities will begin at 3:30 p.m.

“And really at 6 is our special event,” Allen said.

In honor of its 50th year, the school commissioned a song based on student poetry. Erwin’s honors chorus will perform the melody at 6 p.m. Allen said administrators reached out to former honors chorus students and invited them to participate.

“And we just had a huge response to that,” she said.

About 50 alumni will sing alongside current students at Friday’s ceremony.

Students will prepare for festivities this week by celebrating School Spirit Week, which culminates with a birthday party during lunch periods Friday. Local caterer Debbie Suggs donated a cake to be served with the students’ lunch.

Fun and games begin at 3:30 p.m. Friday and will close at 5:20 p.m. The time capsule ceremony will be at 5:30 p.m., and the ceremony honoring alumni will be at 6 p.m.

“It’s going to be a really special evening,” Allen said.

For more information, contact Erwin Middle School at 704-279-7265.

Contact reporter Rebecca Rider at 704-797-4264.