Throughout the 2019-20 school year, Orange County Public Schools has been celebrating its 150th anniversary. The district was founded on Dec. 11, 1869, with the formation of the Board of Public Instruction. W. C. Roper, A. C. Caldwell, and Z. H. Mason became the first three board members and William A. Lovell was named the first superintendent.
“We couldn’t let this milestone go unrecognized, so we are excited about our yearlong effort to celebrate our past, educate our community of our history and reconnect with our alumni,” said Barbara Jenkins, the district’s 19th and current superintendent as well as the first woman to serve in that position.
The district will mark its milestone anniversary by inviting the Central Florida community to “GO ORANGE” on Dec. 11, 2019 and share their well wishes, memorable moments and photos on social media using #ocsp150.
In addition to flying commemorative anniversary flags, OCPS schools will be celebrating the 150th in their own ways and sharing with the community.
These Orlando-area landmarks will be illuminated orange in support of OCPS on Dec. 11:
- Lake Eola Fountain
- Orlando Public Art Sculptures: Astrogenesis II, Global Convergence, Take Flight, Union, Cedar of Lebanon and Tower of Light
- Colonial Drive Overpass
- ORLANDO sign at Camping World Stadium
- Amway Center Spire
- Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
- The Wheel at ICON Park on International Drive
- Rosen Centre Hotel
Earlier this year, OCPS launched a special anniversary website, www.150.ocps.net, which serves as a hub for district history, stories about our past, present, and future, and a place for community members to submit their own stories.
(For more information, please contact Media Promotions at 407.317.3458 or [email protected] )