Former students and teachers gather to remember Menifee Elementary School. (Photos by David Foust)
By Bill Zimmerman, Menifee Valley Historical Association
On Saturday, March 21, over 60 guests came to take a final look at their old stomping grounds – the former campus of Menifee Elementary School.
Most were early MES teachers, administrators, or students, some having been on campus in the 1950’s and 1960’s. The occasion was an informal gathering hosted by the Historical Association. It began with guests mingling and reconnecting with old acquaintances and a quick tour of the museum. However, the most enjoyable part happened when all were gathered together to take turns introducing themselves and sharing fond memories.
The former students remembered ringing the old 1890 bell that had been placed at the front campus entrance, running around the maypole on the dirt playground, and attending class in the steel quonset hut out back (which was opened for Saturday’s guests to peer inside). Peter Bouris, who attended the school in the 1960’s, shared a fond memory that teacher/principal Harm Duitscher had two sets of boxing gloves that he would let the boys use to settle their arguments outside.
Ina May Zeiders served many years as an administrator in nutrition services and shared her memories of those early days. Former Quail Valley Fire Station Five Captain Leonard Grill unveiled an old Menifee Mustangs banner that he found.
The program was also an opportunity to connect the school’s past with its future. Â Menifee Union School District Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Root spoke about the district’s plans to construct a modern campus on the property and showed an architect’s 3D renderings of the design. Longtime District Trustee and local historian Bob O’Donnell mentioned that it feels like family when a group like this gathers together, and he looks forward to more memories and friendships that will be made on this site in the future.
The Historical Association’s president, Julie Zimmerman, thanked the school district for allowing the front classroom to be converted into its history museum that has served Menifee’s families, especially our local students for the last 10 years.
Peter Bouris shares his school days memories with the guests.
Ina May Zeiders and her son David remember good times at the school.
Former student Andy Buselt is surrounded by former MES teachers.
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