Freedom Crest Elementary celebrates 20th anniversary

Freedom Crest Elementary School students celebrated the school's 20th anniversary on Dec. 8.

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MENIFEE -- Freedom Crest Elementary School celebrated its 20th anniversary during a Freedom Friday assembly. The special event, held on Dec. 8, brought together students, staff, and city leaders to acknowledge two decades of education and community spirit. The Freedom Friday assembly itself is a 20-year tradition.

The morning kicked off with a heartfelt rendition of the National Anthem by Eloise Bowler, a proud alumna of Freedom Crest Elementary. The assembly continued with the Pledge of Allegiance and a spirited performance of the school song by the talented Spirit Squad.

Menifee Union School District Board Trustee Bob O’Donnell spoke, congratulating Freedom Crest on this special anniversary. He reminded students that his son John O’Donnell had the privilege of selecting the school’s name. Also present was Mayor Bill Zimmerman and City Council member Lesa Sobek. They congratulated the students and staff and presented a certificate of appreciation to Principal Eli Orr.

The event also included a special acknowledgment of the staff who were present when the school first opened: Rachel Kozloff, Karen Freeman, Sandra Muniz, Candi Anderson, Craig Gruber, Kay Schaffer, and Kim Boudreaux. The school’s founding principal, Gary Winn, was unable to attend but sent his warmest regards.

Muniz, who has been with Freedom Crest Elementary School since its opening, said, "It's been amazing to be a part of this 20-year journey. This school is special to me as I began my educational career here, my son came to school here, and now my grandson is here!"

A notable moment came when Orr unveiled a time capsule, providing a glimpse into the past and present of Freedom Crest. Items stored in the capsule included a letter from the school’s first principal, commendations from state legislators, a program from the grand opening ceremony, and a school shirt.

Orr also highlighted the creative ways students actively participated in the 20th anniversary celebration. Various grade levels engaged in a "20 Challenge," each contributing to a unique initiative such as creating a time capsule with 20 items and letters, completing 20 jumping jacks for 20 days, collecting non-perishable food items, 20 acts of kindness, completing 20 laps around the track, assembling 20 care packages for the unhoused, crafting holiday cards for seniors, participating in a campus clean-up by picking up 20 pieces of trash, and more.

District Superintendent, Dr. Jennifer Root, said, "As we celebrate 20 years at Freedom Crest Elementary, we recognize its unique history and the impact it has had on the educational community. It truly is a special place creating limitless futures for students."

Mayor Bill Zimmerman and City Council member Lesa Sobek joined principal Eli Orr at the ceremony.