Mount Airy City Schools spent time at Friday morning’s convocation celebrating the past as well as looking forward to a new school year.

This year marks the system’s 115th birthday as it was created in 1895. As part of that celebration, the school system tracked down around 20 graduates of Mount Airy City Schools to interview about their school experiences. They were able to interview at least one person from each decade dating back to the 1920s. These people spoke of memories from school, teachers who made an impact on them, friendships they formed and disciplinary methods.

“There are so many more stories that will be part of a DVD this fall,” said Superintendent Dr. Darrin Hartness of the brief version of the video shown on the new screens in the commons at Mount Airy High School at convocation.

He told the faculty members gathered at convocation that the fact that these people remember their days at school so clearly is proof that teachers and schools have a lasting impact.

Hartness also spoke about the successes of this past school year.

“We had one of the most successful years in the history of our school system,” he said. “None of this would have been possible without every employee in our school system.”

Mary Parker Clark, president of Diamond Magic, also spoke at the convocation.

“You have a lot to celebrate and a lot to be proud of,” she said. “Celebrate your big events but celebrate your little successes along the way.”

She gave the educators present some words of advice for having a good school year. She told them to remember the five C’s: challenges, changes, choices, chuckles and celebrations.

“There are teachers and then there are educators. You all are educators,” she said.

Attendees also heard from Mount Airy Middle School Principal Joey Hearl, the 2009-10 principal of the year.

“We have an opportunity to work in a great school system,” he said. “The bottom line is that people are running to get into our school system.”

As part of the birthday celebration, attendees at the convocation enjoyed birthday cake and each school system employee will receive a T-shirt.

Contact Morgan Wall at mwall@mtairynews.com or 719-1929.