Bend’s Education Center marks 100 years with centennial celebration
Jillian Fortner
(Update: adding video)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Education Center is celebrating 100 years, and the community is invited to join the festivities.
“It really has been the hub of the community for 100 years,” said Becca Burda, Assistant Director of Communications for Bend-La Pine Schools.
The Education Center first opened its doors to students in the 1920s. On September 7, 1925, it became home to Bend Union High School, which remained there until the current Bend High was built in 1956.
Over the decades, the building went on to serve as a middle school, then an elementary school, and even hosted Central Oregon Community College’s very first classes.
The building continues to serve as part of the Bend-La Pine Schools district’s facilities, housing a number of student programs.
“So many people in our community have ties to this building,” Burda said.
The centennial event welcomes past students, staff and neighbors to take a walk down memory lane.
The open house on September 27th will include historic artifacts, photos of graduating classes, and equipment used over the decades.
“We’ve also been working really hard with our partners at the Deschutes Historical Museum. They have been wonderful partners in helping us capture the history of this building,” Burda said.
Visitors will get to enjoy tours, live music, and food prepared by Bend High’s culinary program.
It runs from 1pm to 4pm.
Organizers are asking the community to help honor the building’s legacy by sharing their own memories. Submissions may be featured during the event.
Head to the link here to share your memories: bls.fyi/EdCenter100stories
Event Information:
Location – Education Center, 520 NW Wall Street
Date – Saturday, September 27th
Time – 1pm to 4pm