Mary E. Cunningham Elementary School invites its current students, alumni, staff and community members to celebrate the school's 50th Anniversary with an evening of music, food and memories on Friday, Feb. 15. 

David Bailiff, head football coach at Rice University and esteemed Cunningham alumnus, will kick off the event with a keynote speech. The Cunningham Choir will also perform music from each decade since Cunningham opened in 1962. The rest of the evening will be filled with tours of the recently renovated school, mingling with former and current students and staff members, food, and a community dance. 

"We are excited for this opportunity to bring together so many people who have influenced the rich culture and educational history of our hidden gem of a family-friendly school in funky 78745," said Amy Lloyd, principal at the South Austin school.

School officials invite attendees to share their memories of the school and to help create new ones during the celebration, which is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. on Feb. 15. 

For more information, please contact Shelby Ottley-Bujan at 841-3326 or e-mail sottley@austinisd.org. Please direct media inquiries about the event to the district's Public Relations and Multicultural Outreach Department.