60 Years of Excellence for W. R. McNeill Elementary

W. R. McNeill Elementary celebrated six decades of excellence, with activities throughout the day on March 29th. 

The school first opened in August 1963 as the McNeill City-College Cooperative School. The building included 18 standard classrooms, a library, a multipurpose room, and administrative offices. Additionally, nine observation areas with one-way glass and a research office were used by Western Kentucky State College (now called WKU).  

The morning assembly on March 29th featured a school trivia game with retired principals Deborah (Ecton) Dempewolf (Principal from 1997-2006), Marsha Ingram (Principal from 2006-2013), Kelli Brooks (Principal 2013-2023), and BGISD Superintendent Gary Fields. Fifth grade student Jase Justice hosted the game, and introduced the school’s 60th anniversary time capsule, dedicated to retired principal Harold Dexter, principal from 1969 to 1997. 

Former McNeill teachers and staff also joined the morning assembly, and were invited to a brief reception at the school. 

“While much has changed in the last 60 years- students, teachers, and staff have come and gone, the school mascot has undergone three transformations, and the physical building has seen renovations and expansions- what will always remain the same at McNeill Elementary is our unwavering commitment to learning, our unbreakable bonds, and our relentless pursuit of excellence.” - Principal Emily Mills, McNeill Elementary Alumna