One hundred years and counting. The Bishop’s School is now embarking on another century of excellence in the La Jolla community. The school is celebrating its first 100 years of success during the 2008-’09 school year with its Centennial Celebration, “100 Years and Beyond.” The celebration involves a number of exciting events planned to honor the campus, faculty and students who have made such an impact over the last century. “We wanted to set some goals when we planned this,” said Suzanne Weiner, Bishop’s marketing and public relations director. “We wanted the students to learn about the history of the school. We also wanted to educate the outside world about Bishop’s, both locally and nationally.” One way to highlight the history of the school is a historical display, which is currently ongoing through Dec. 15 in Wheeler J. Bailey Hall. The exhibit features trained volunteer docents and is open Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon, Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “We hope everyone will take advantage of it,” Weiner said. “The display is a fabulous opportunity for students to learn the history of the school.” Among the events planned this month is a special day on Saturday, Oct. 18, which is set aside as Ellen Browning Scripps Day, honoring the founder of the school. The school is also hosting several art events, including a California Plein Air Art Exhibition highlighting “Visions of San Diego” from Jan. 20 to March 1, 2009, and an Irving Gill Architecture Retrospective Exhibition called “Dare to Be Simple” from March 16 through April 30 of next year. Both events will be held in Wheeler J. Bailey Hall. On Dec. 27, 2008 and Jan. 9, 2009, the school will celebrate Alumni Sports Weekend. Alumni are invited back on campus to enjoy sporting activities and reconnect with old friends and teachers. The yearlong event will be topped off in May, as several days of celebration will take place. From May 21 to 24, alumni will return to campus for the end of the school year. On May 21, an Awards Day and Headmaster Michael Teitelman’s Retirement Picnic will take place. Commencement is slated for May 22, with a 100th birthday party planned for May 23. The school has also compiled a history book of its first 100 years, “The Bishop’s School: 100 Years and Beyond.” The publication tells the story of the incredible legacy that has moved The Bishop’s School from its founding in 1909 into the 21st century. The book, which is being released in November, can be ordered online from the school’s Web site. As with any celebration, countless hours of preparation go into making it work. According to Weiner, plans for the centennial celebration began as early as December of 2006 on what the year would encompass. Karen Milburn Gabsch (Bishop’s Class of ’61) and Anne Feighner (former School Board president) have been instrumental as co-chairs in helping with the plans, according to Weiner. The steering committee for the project has included about a dozen people. While the celebration is important to all those involved in the Bishop’s School community, Weiner said it is equally important to plan for the next 100 years. “We wanted to make sure that we’re prepared for the next 100 years,” Weiner said. “The sub-theme of our celebration is ‘I am Bishop’s.’” More highlights from the yearlong celebration are available on the school’s Web site, www.bishops.com. For further information, contact Stephanie Hammond, centennial celebration coordinator, [email protected] or (858) 459-4021, ext. 409.