(This article has been updated from the print edition.)

The 2016-17 school year marked a major milestone for Joe Henderson Elementary School. Benicia Unified School District’s second youngest elementary school turned 30 back in January and celebrated with a major party this past week.

The event was spearheaded by fifth-grade teacher Kelly Hughes and featured appearances by alumni, former staff and even the school’s first two principals.

Hughes began planning the event after realizing in the fall that it was Henderson’s 30th year as a school.

“I felt that it was a huge milestone that we couldn’t let pass us by,” she said. “With the permission of our principal, I began making plans for a big celebration. I wanted it to be a day where the whole school came together to learn about the history of our school, and celebrate together.”

Henderson opened its doors to students on Jan. 5, 1987, but plans for a new elementary school in Benicia had been on the drawing board for at least a decade, according to a 1987 Herald article by Lisa Reynolds. In the late ‘70s, Benicia had only three elementary schools: Mills, Mary Farmar and Robert Semple (Matthew Turner would not open until 1993). The district needed another school to accommodate families in the increasingly growing Southampton region. Unfortunately, construction on the new school would have to wait as the district struggled for a decade to find the right financing. In the mid ‘80s, Benicia’s school board approved a $3.9 million bond to construct the new school, and Henderson was to find its home on Hastings Drive, according to the 1987 Herald article.

The school was named after Joe Henderson, a long-time teacher and principal of the Benicia Grammar School who later became superintendent of BUSD.

“Originally the school was going to be called Joseph Henderson Elementary, but when Joe heard that, he requested it be called Joe Henderson because he was only ever called Joseph by his mother when he was in trouble,” Hughes said.

According to Hughes, Henderson had a staff of just eight teachers and approximately 200 students. Many of the new students relocated from either Mills or Semple, according to the 1987 Herald article. The amount of staff and students has grown. Now more than 550 students in the Southampton area attend Henderson, which has since been recognized as both a California Distinguished School and a Gold Ribbon School.

To celebrate 30 years, Henderson had a birthday bash on Tuesday featuring current and former staff as well as current and former students. A ceremony was held detailing the history of Henderson, and honors were presented to current and former faculty members. Afterwards, everyone moved to the field to form a giant 30, which was captured as a photograph by an overhead drone. Students participated in such activities as relay races, carnival games, a photo booth, face painting and a Jazzercise demonstration. The day ended with a lunch where students received cupcakes and sang “Happy Birthday” to the school.

Among those in attendance were Andy Siri of Siri Construction Company, which built the school, and his wife as well as Henderson’s first two principals: Marian Susnjar and Bobbie Horack. Carin Garton, the current principal, was unable to attend but sent a video message that was shared during the ceremony.

In its 30 years, Henderson has had only three principals. Its fourth, Melanie Buck, will start in the fall.

Hughes said the day was a huge success.

“It brought us together as an entire school, and together, we made memories that we will not soon forget,” she said. “When asked about the day, many students responded with, ‘It was the best day ever!’”

Hughes said the event was made possible with the help of current staff and administration as well as the school’s kitchen and several parent volunteers.

Although a lot has changed in Henderson’s 30 years, Hughes said one thing has not: its commitment to its students.

“We have built a strong, inclusive school community, and we pride ourselves on our dedication to learning,” she said. “We are proud Henderson Hounds, and as we like to say around here, no matter where you go in life, ‘Once a Hound, Always a Hound.’”