75 Year Celebration
September 6, 2024
On September 6, 2024, Kraybill Mennonite School (KMS) celebrated 75 years of Christian Day School education. It was on September 6, 1949, when KMS opened its doors for the first time to 31 students in grades 1 through 10. At that time, the represented families came from Mennonite, Brethren in Christ, and Old Order River Brethren congregations.
Initially, the lower grades were governed by a local board, and the upper 2 grades were governed by Lancaster Mennonite School. Over the past 75 years, KMS has added kindergarten, and it has dropped grades 9 and 10. Students have been welcomed from more than 75 local churches, and from more than 20 denominations. All grades are now governed by a board of individuals who care about the mission of the school. The vast majority of current board members are a parent or grandparent of a current student or students.
The original school met in a renovated church meetinghouse that was never electrified until it became KMS. Over the past 75 years, multiple buildings have been added for the increased number of students and upgraded school functions. The school now has an enrollment of over 230 students in grades PreK to 8 with a full staff of dedicated teachers.
The KMS website notes the mission of the school: "Kraybill Mennonite School, in cooperation with local Christian families and churches, offers, a Christ-centered education with an Anabaptist theological orientation. The program values the total person and seeks to prepare students of diverse educational needs for a life of service to Christ. We use Christ's teachings to prepare children to do God's work in the world by nurturing faith, peacemaking, leadership, and service."
The event held at KMS on September 6 was named, "God's faithfulness through the Generations." Open to all, attendees played games such as "jacks", purchased small toys from the "Pocket Lady," heard stories of student experiences, ate popcorn and ice cream, heard a brief inspirational message by former patron Susan Hochstedler Mast, and viewed displays of class photos from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s in the renovated Meetinghouse that is still used for special school events. All the school yearbooks were on display, as well as some very old Kraybill Echoes and Highlights. A number of historic school mementoes were featured, and a few school musicals could be viewed in digitized form.
The inspirational message was included in an approximately ½ hour program which also included information on the needs of the school moving forward and a brief hymn sing. Before and after the program, attendees were encouraged to tour the areas of the school where displays, digitized past musical productions and story telling were happening. We encouraged past students to come and maybe see a classmate or teacher they have not seen in many years. And of course play a game of jacks in the hallway to remember old times!
Order A Commemorative Brick
As we celebrate 75 years of God's faithfulness to our school, we are excited to announce a special opportunity for our community to leave a lasting legacy. To commemorate this significant milestone, we are offering the chance to purchase personalized commemorative bricks that will be installed in a prominent location on campus.
These bricks provide a unique way to honor the history of our school while also contributing to it’s future. Each brick can be engraved with a personal message, name, or date, serving as a permanent tribute to alumni, current students, families, and friends who have been part of our journey.
By purchasing a commemorative brick, you not only mark your connection to our school, but also support it’s continued growth and excellence. The funds raised from this initiative will directly benefit our school’s programs and facilities, ensuring that we can provide exceptional education and spiritual guidance for generations to come.