Lakeland Elementary School is inviting current and former students, staff, families, and community members to come together on Saturday, November 8th, for a special celebration marking the school’s 25th anniversary. The event, themed “Leo’s Big Top Birthday Bash,” will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the front lawn of Lakeland Elementary and will feature games, food, music, and family-friendly activities – all free to the public thanks to generous donations from Lakeland-area businesses.
The celebration will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a special recognition honoring the past and present individuals and organizations who have contributed to the growth and success of Lakeland Elementary and the Lakeland School System.
Lakeland Elementary first opened its doors on August 13, 2001 and Mrs. Lockhart, LES’s Principal, reflected on the school’s journey over the past two and a half decades.
“On August 13, 2001, our small rural community changed forever. On that special day twenty-five years ago, 65 teachers/staff and 602 students walked through the doors with nothing on the walls or in the halls. Today, LES has 128 teachers/staff and 990 students and is thriving as a fully functioning elementary school. I am also proud of our many accomplishments throughout the years. The two that stand out the most are our National Blue Ribbon School recognition (awarded in 2018) and our TN Reward School designations (2012-13, 2014-15, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24). So many amazing people and sweet memories have flowed through the walls of our stellar school over the past 25 years,” she said. “Our committee has worked extremely hard to make this day memorable, fun, and enjoyable for our entire community of Lions. I would love to see every student, teacher, administrator, assistant, cafeteria tech, custodian, parent, and community member that has ever walked through the doors of Lakeland Elementary School on this special day. Let’s show our Lion’s pride and saturate the grounds of LES on November 8th for a wonderful day of games, food, and fun!”
The celebration will include 11 interactive inflatables, yard games, and a special “Human Lotto” event featuring LES administration at 11:30 a.m. Attendees can also enjoy a variety of local food trucks including Double D’s Mobile BBQ, Collins Food the Fresh Way, Street Kitchen, and The Ice Truck (Italian ice).
The event will highlight numerous local and school-connected talents, such as:
- A balloon artist who is also a Lakeland grandparent
- Face painting provided by Lakeland Prep High School honors art students
- Music from a DJ who is a Lakeland parent
- Photography by a Lakeland family member
- Spirit wear and gift vendors representing Lakeland’s DECA program, Football, Theater Company, and Middle School Cheer
Many of the vendors and contributors have direct ties to Lakeland Elementary or the Lakeland School System, further emphasizing the community spirit behind the milestone celebration.
Community members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets and enjoy a day of celebration, reflection, and Lion pride.
