Originally Posted: October 18, 2022
Russell Dougherty Elementary School in Edmond will open its doors for a 75th anniversary Tours and Tea celebration from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29. The event will feature tours of the school and presentations from current students and Dougherty family members.
“Our school has a long and proud heritage and we are eager to celebrate its origins and show guests how far it has come,” said Principal Stefanie Pattillo.
First dedicated in October 1947, Russell Dougherty Elementary School bears the name of the first graduate of Edmond High School to be killed during World War II. Edmond Native and Air Corps bomber pilot Russell Dougherty was stationed in Guadalcanal when he and 11 crewmen crashed with a heavy bomb load in their B-24 over the Solomon Islands in 1943. He was just 24 years old.
“The school first opened as a junior high and served students for 10 years before it transitioned to an elementary school,” Pattillo said. ”It closed its doors in 1991 for extensive remodeling. A year later, the school opened as Edmond Public School’s first parent choice school for kindergarten through fifth grade.”
The anniversary celebration is open to community members, past and present students and their parents and retired staff members.
“This school has meant so much to the community and we are looking forward to celebrating its role in the lives of countless families,” Pattillo said.
To RSVP for the celebration, please email RD75Anniversary@gmail.com.