Student performances span the decades as Southside Elementary celebrates 100 years

When John Spielman became principal of Southside Elementary in 1982, the school was near closing with only about 250 students, his granddaughter Brooke Harris, a fourth grader, told an audience on Jan. 9. 

"On Southside's 100th birthday, we honor not only the principal he was, but the heart he gave to the school, a heart that still beats for today," she said.

However, the Southside Centennial Celebration, held outdoors on the school's campus, looked back even further in time, covering the eras through which Southside Elementary has existed since its founding in 1924. 

Students danced the Charleston and sang hits from the past, while attendees had the chance to learn facts about the school. 

For instance, one part of the school's legacy was the discovery by teacher Janet Shapiro's class that Florida had no state fruit, with the students' advocacy resulting in then-Governor Jeb Bush visiting the school to sign a legislative action naming the orange as the state fruit. 

Afterwards, attendees headed to the courtyard for the singing of "Happy Birthday" and the school song “Hoorah for Southside,” and the chance to enjoy cake. 

"We're really happy to be here, part of this wonderful community, grateful that this exists and this tremendous support for the teachers, the arts," said parent Mary Theresa Kiely.