June 9 was a nostalgic day at Hawley Elementary School as alumni who attended the school as early as the 1930s returned to 29 Church Hill Road to tour their alma mater.

The school's PTA and administration organized the event in which 21 alumni came back for a tour of the school by current students and a schoolwide assembly, PTA historian Laura Brennan said. The assembly featured students speaking about the history of the school and Mary Hawley, singing Hawley's school songs from the past and present, and students performing personally written poems.

"I grew up here in town, so I fondly remember my second grade walking tour field trip and really growing up with an appreciation for what Mary Hawley has done for our town," Ms Brennan said. "I felt like there was an opportunity, especially here at Hawley, the historic school in town, to really celebrate that."

Students were also given the opportunity to ask the alumni questions during the assembly. Alumni were questioned about their past teachers, the biggest changes since their time as students and their favorite memories. They shared stories of walking up to Main Street to go to the C.H. Booth Library or Edmond Town Hall because the school lacked its own library and gym large enough for basketball practice and their favorite recess and PE games, many still popular today.

Ms Brennan said that, of the alumni who returned, at least one had finished their time at Hawley School in every decade since the 1950s.

"It's been a great day for both the kids and the alumni," she said. "The students had to participate in a contest to be selected as tour guides and they have done an outstanding job taking them around."

Alumnus Bob Gerkle said he left Hawley in 1957 and his father, children, and grandchildren have all attended the school, including his daughter Sarah Findley, who was accompanying him June 9.

Alumna Joan Glover Crick said she attended Hawley School from first through twelfth grade and graduated in 1950 when it housed all grade levels.

"I loved Hawley School, and I had the best time going to school here," Ms Glover Crick said. "I hope it remains always. It's a historic building of Newtown and it just is wonderful for the children."

Principal Christopher Moretti spoke about the history of the school and how it has changed over the years from housing all grades to being solely a high school, middle school, or elementary school.

"One thing that hasn't changed is the kindness and hard work of our students and support from our parents," Mr Moretti said.