One hundred years ago, more than 200 Ozark School District students and staff stood in front of the newly-constructed school building just east of the downtown square and posed for a photo. On Oct. 26, 2022, an entire century later, Ozark’s littlest learners, along with staff, administrators and Board of Education members, did the exact same thing, commemorating and celebrating the renovation of the historic structure that now serves as Tiger Paw Early Childhood Center.
“This photo was 100 years in the making,” Superintendent Dr. Chris Bauman said with a smile. “Back in 1921, the Ozark community supported education by passing a bond as well as a tax increase during the Depression. So, as we move forward 100 years, we have the opportunity to take not only a building that has been in our system for that time, but also to expand learning to our youngest learners.”
Bauman said that recreating the photo was important to help reconnect the Ozark community with its history.
“We are connecting our past with our future,” he said. “Our children are our future. To have them get started with their education in the building that has been here the longest — the history of this building continues.”
For Board of Education President Sarah Adams Orr, who is a fifth-generation Ozark resident and a 1987 OHS graduate, it was important for her to be a part of the 2022 photo recreation.
“Revitalizing this historic building is symbolic of preserving Ozark’s history and heritage. Our community has always viewed education as an investment in future generations,” she said. “It was so neat to see all of our young students lined up in the photo. My grandmother was 11 years old in the photo taken a century ago. I’m grateful Ozark is continuing the tradition of putting a priority on education.”
This photo in front of the newly-constructed school building just east of the downtown square was taken in the fall of 1922.
This photo was taken an entire century later on Oct. 26, 2022, commemorating and celebrating the renovation of the historic structure.
