On Saturday, September 30, 2023, Bellevue High School (BHS) marked its 100th anniversary with an afternoon filled with wolverine-worthy celebration. Founded in 1923, Bellevue High School has and continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the lives of countless students and fostering a sense of belonging within the community.

 

The day began with a joyful parade featuring marching bands, cheerleaders, a dance team, and the unforgettable Wolverine Mascot, welcoming all to the school. Outside were vintage and new electric cars to explore, cotton candy and other sweet treats to enjoy, and up close and personal interactions with current classmates and alumni. The scavenger hunt was a fun way to interact and walk the campus grounds. Inside in the BHS Commons area, the excitement of students, staff, alumni, and community was just as infectious. Participants explored yearbooks going back to the beginning of the school's history, met members of the Black Student Union, played games with the Robotics Club, ate crepes provided by the French Honor Society, and purchased t-shirts commemorating the day. The BHS Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA), Bellevue Schools Foundation (BSF), and the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce were on hand to share important information about their support for students and investment in vital programs for the school. The Barque Newspaper (IMHO: the best monthly newspaper I've ever enjoyed) features photos and stories from Bellevue High's long history.

 

As the ceremony got underway in the Performing Arts Center, emcee and ASB Class Officer 2024, Kit Pujol Fong, extended a sincere welcome to the audience as the BHS Dance Team donned blue and gold poms waived fondly at the crowd before cheering and dancing. Next, Principal Vic Anderson thanked the Bellevue community for their unwavering support over the years, emphasizing that Bellevue High's success has been a collective effort driven by the dedication of educators, the enthusiasm of students, and the support of parents and the community. He then introduced a notable list of dignitaries, including the Acting Consulate-General of Japan, Mr. Junichi Sumi.           

 

Bellevue's Mayor Lynne Robinson followed with inspiring words, reminding us that the economic and business success in Bellevue is rooted in the excellent education established at BHS and linked to the school's legacy and founding - approximately 30 years before the city was incorporated in 1953. She reflected on her time as a parent in the district and emphasized the crucial role that the Bellevue School Foundation and PTSAs play in the district's overall success. She noted the outstanding work of our educators and administrators coupled with their commitment to creating unique learning opportunities and a healthy educational environment that allows our students to thrive.

 

Superintendent Dr. Kelly Aramaki started his speech with a fun and nostalgic reflection on growing up in Bellevue with his family being a part of the school district for over 90 years. He recalled visits to Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour, Godfather's Pizza, Lamont's, and Frederick & Nelson's, now replaced with new neighborhood staples like MOD Pizza, Molly Moon’s, Uwajimaya, and the Bellden Cafe. In further reflection, he shared a dedication from his grandfather Akira Aramaki's senior class of 1931, speaking directly to today's students with their hope for the continued growth and prosperity of the school. He noted the evidence of that prosperity in the modern reputation of Bellevue, which is now known as a global urban hub of innovation, technology, and business. Dr. Aramaki called everyone to action, reminding them of Dr. Martin Luther King's vision of the Beloved Community, a society built on caring and compassion. We aspire to build a beloved community with the effort needed to achieve it, citing those who act bravely to make it happen; like a teacher who kept the Aramaki family property and farms safe while his family was incarcerated in internment camps during World War II. He further expressed his commitment to inclusion and educational excellence, both cornerstones in his five district priorities and identified as areas of growth for the district. 

 

He emphasized the importance of bringing joy into the classrooms daily and nurturing and encouraging diversity, inclusion, and a recognition of our complex, sometimes challenging, and interesting history. He followed his speech with a stirring piano accompaniment of Douglas E. Wagner's And Wherever You Go, performed by the BHS Chorale and directed by Andrew Jacobson.

 

As the 100th anniversary celebration ended, it was clear that Bellevue High School's legacy was as strong as ever. The event served as a reminder of the school's enduring impact on the lives of its students and the community it serves. Bellevue High School is not just a place of learning; it's a place where lifelong memories are made, dreams are nurtured, and a sense of belonging is cultivated.

 

As Bellevue High embarks on its next century, it does so with a proud history, a vibrant present, and a promising future. The 100th anniversary celebration was a moment to cherish and set the stage for many more decades of educational excellence and community pride.