Faculty and staff at Jefferson Elementary hosted a come-and-go reception to honor
the school’s 70th anniversary. As it has throughout its history, Jefferson’s cafeteria transformed into a welcoming community gathering place—creating space for connection, celebration, and shared memories.
The event featured seven decade banners showcasing class photos and meaningful quotes from Jefferson leaders. Guests enjoyed refreshments, visited with one another, and shared stories of their Jefferson ties. Throughout the reception, videos featuring former Jefferson teachers and students played on large monitors, offering a heartfelt look back at the school’s impact across generations.
A newspaper article dated February 17, 1955, reported that the estimated cost to build and furnish the new Jefferson School was $152,003. The article also noted that “the new structure will provide school facilities in an area of Pryor that has become densely populated within the past two years due to expansion of industrial activities in Pryor.” Industry has long played a major role in Pryor’s population growth—a connection still visible today.
The 70th Anniversary Celebration exhibit will be on display later this month at the Coo-Y-Yah Museum, giving the public an opportunity to explore Pryor Public Schools’ history and the legacy of Jefferson Elementary.