ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)- Bonham elementary first opened its doors in 1953. 70 years later they’re welcoming students in for meet the teacher night once again while taking time to commemorate the historic milestone, welcoming in the 2023-2024 school year, and a new generation of Bonham Bulldogs.

“First the teachers return, that’s exciting and then the kids hit the door and it feels like school again.” Said Bonham Principal Kevin Wellborn.

Parents and students arrived at 5pm Monday August 14th, ready to get some paperwork out of the way and pick out their desks for the year. Staff and teachers eagerly welcoming back students and meeting new ones, the teachers saying they’re just happy to have noisy hallways once again.

“The laughter and the joy that comes is so much better than just having empty halls…And it’s just so much fun when you tell them who their teacher is and they’re like yes that’s exactly the teacher I wanted!” Said AISD elementary library supervisor and former Bonham teacher Beth Pruitt.

Seven years ago Bonham moved into their newly constructed building though it still sits on the same campus the original one was built on. Pruitt saying the excitement is just the same today as it was over a decade ago when she began teaching there.

“Bonham is a family. Once you are a Bonham bulldog you are a bulldog for life.” Pruitt said.

Principal Wellborn says there’s quite a big legacy to live up to but he couldn’t ask for a better group of kids to see through this historic milestone.

“Well there’s a little bit of pressure…but it’s a cool responsibility to have of being the principal and kind of leading the way.” Said Wellborn.

Later this year Bonham will be holding a special event in which former students, teachers, and administration will return to the campus to look back on their years there and celebrate the road ahead for the Bonham Bulldogs.