A year of birthday celebrations culminated on May 9th as Long Trail School proudly celebrated its 50th birthday with a 1975-style bash on the school grounds.The turnout and support from the bell-bottomed and floral-print clad community was as strong at the bash as it has been in the decades leading up to it. 

In 1975, Long Trail School’s founders, Dave and Rene Wilson, opened their doors with 14 students in rented classroom spaces. The school now serves 252 students from 39 towns in a beautiful 60,000 square-foot facility that takes pride in welcoming every student for who they are.

Speaking at the celebration, Head of School Colin Igoe explained, “At a time when education across the country is facing immense challenges…Long Trail stands out as a gem. But…we are not a "hidden" gem…We want every student in Southern Vermont to know that there is a place right here where they can be seen, challenged, and supported to achieve their fullest potential.”

Colin also spoke about the power of a LTS education, “We need to continue to innovate, to keep our education accessible to students regardless of their financial circumstances, and to maintain the LTS spirit that says every child is worth the investment.” 

Looking ahead to the next 50 years, Colin envisions a flourishing community that continues to celebrate the spirit of its founders and prepares graduates to tackle whatever the future holds for them. A silent auction, whose proceeds entirely benefitted student scholarships, followed his remarks.