When Eleanor Hollandsworth started her job as principal at Stratford Landing Elementary School, she felt like it was in a remote section of Fairfax County.
"When we came here, Riverside Drive was a two-lane road and we were surrounded by trees. I remember thinking, 'What have I done?' I was out in the boonies," said Hollandsworth.
Now, as the school celebrates its 40th anniversary, Riverside Drive is still two lanes, but much expanded and Stratford Landing is in the middle of a bustling, thriving suburban area.
"It's changed an awful lot. The gym and music room are new and the colors used to be blue and gold," said Hollandsworth.
When the school opened, there were 20 classes and nine teachers. The area grew so quickly that within a few years they had a thousand students at Stratford Landing. It wasn't uncommon for classes to have more than 35 students in them. It became clear that it was time to build a new school.
The county started building Fort Hunt Elementary School and they asked Hollandsworth to open that school. She stayed there until 1976, at which time she became an area administrator for Area 1 until she retired in 1984.
Hollandsworth has fond memories of Stratford and said, "I met some wonderful people here." She said that the biggest challenge of opening two new schools was getting the staff to work together; she felt that she was very lucky with the people she worked with.
Succeeding her at Stratford was Vincent F. Kashuda. Five other principals: Ed Barker, Beverly Peterson, David Readyhough, Bernice Johnson and Claudia Chaille, served before Barbara Hubbard took the helm in 1998. Hollandsworth remembers that at least three of the principals were teachers while she was there.
All of the former principals were asked to attend the anniversary ceremony; Ed Barker, Claudia Chaille and Eleanor Hollandsworth were the only ones able who were able to attend.
AFTER SQUARE DANCING in the playground and other activities, Hubbard gathered everybody in the gym for a dedication ceremony. This is Hubbard's last year as principal; Stratford is in the process of searching for her replacement.
"I've been thinking about this [anniversary] all year. Mrs. Raftery corralled a group and did a wonderful job," said Hubbard.
She went on to thank Cynthia Carter and Gail Cavaliere, who painted a mural in the front hallway depicting of all the activities at Stratford.
Hubbard introduced each of the former principals in turn. Hollandsworth said that she was pleased to be there and that she loved all the renovations. Barker said that he was happy to be there as well, and thanked Eleanor for taking a chance on him, bringing him into the school as a young teacher.
"These are special people and a special community, and it's a big part of my memories," said Barker."I'm glad to see that the spirit of Stratford Landing is still going."
Chaille said, "When I think of Stratford Landing, I will always think of the creativity and learning associated with the school. Stratford Landing is a true community school; some of the most innovative ideas have taken place here."
Hubbard introduced Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerry Hyland, thanking him for supporting the school in so many ways.
Hyland spoke briefly, remembering how he began his public service by serving as the PTA President at Hollin Meadows Elementary School.
"I'm here today on behalf of Mount Vernon residents; I want to say a special Happy Birthday to you. I encourage you to continue doing what you're doing," Hyland said.
Dan Storck, school board member representing the Mount Vernon District, said, "This was a fabulous school for my children. I still see people who were here and were instrumental in my kid's education. I'm proud of their teachers and the others who helped them."
Storck was asked to attend last month's PTA meeting, and said, "There were over 50 people there and they made it clear that they needed a modular unit as quickly as possible to reduce the number of trailers."
Storck also told a story which he felt typified the community spirit of Stratford Landing. Many years ago, there was a shortage of money, and the school had to decide if they would buy books or replace the 40 broken fans in the school. Instead, a friend and neighbor of Storck's, Dave Edwards, agreed to fix the fans; thus assuring that the school had both books and fans.
"I couldn't be happier to be a part of this community," said Storck.