On September 26, the school celebrated its 100 year anniversary with a centennial ceremony that included a display of artifacts from across the decades and tours of the building. Under the leadership of PMHS Principal Mark Berkowitz, and Director of Humanities Maria Thompson, along with the Pelham Town Historian, the American Legion Post 50, the Pelham Art Center, and the Pelham Chamber of Commerce, the community planned many activities to make a memorable homecoming weekend for returning alumni.

The date was chosen to be close to the date that the cornerstone was originally laid, October 18, 1919. Old photos and memorabilia were gathered and displayed on decade by decade posters around Ingalls’ Field.

The opening ceremony consisted of a performance by the school’s jazz band and chorus as well as speeches from PMHS principal Mark Berkowitz, Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Champ, School President Caitlin Winston and Board of Education Vice President Sue Bratone Childs.

PMHS alum Veterans also attended the event and paid tribute to alums who have passed away in past wars. The chorus and Jazz band performed the decade old “Pelican Parade” school `song, concluding the ceremony.

There were several tables at the event consisting of artifacts like old letterman jackets and yearbooks, limited edition 100 years issue of The Pel Mel, editions of DOOR Magazine, and homecoming t-shirts.

After the ceremony, the attendees were taken on student-led tours of the school to see how the school had both changed and remained the same.

“I found it fascinating to look at how the school clubs of the past really echoed the time periods in which they existed,” said Mr. Sirico, PMHS history teacher who helped organize and compile artifacts and research for the centennial. “I was really happy with the turnout in terms of the quantity and the diversity of age groups. There were former teachers, administrators and alumni from an assortment of different decades. Many commented on how the building was still the same after all these years.”