Rio Vista celebrates its 50th anniversary!

On Friday, April 22, Rio Vista Elementary School in Anaheim hosted a 50th Anniversary Celebration extravaganza.

The festivities started shortly after 10 a.m. with music from the Valadez Middle School Academy orchestra, followed by a special accordion performance by an adorable preschooler.

Both Principal Jose Cabrera and Superintendent Doug Domene welcomed the honored guests, and keynote speaker Candy Plahy, assistant superintendent of educational services, regaled the audience with stories about the school’s humble beginnings.

Additional highlights included musical performances by each grade level, including Preppy K/kindergarten singing “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da,” first grade singing, “I Can See Clearly Now,” second grade singing “Walking on Sunshine,” third grade singing the “Macarena,” fourth grade singing “Best Day of My Life,” and fifth grade singing “Try Everything.”

Many former principals and teachers, as well as alumni, parents and friends, shared in the festivities.

The Rio Vista PTA and a team of volunteers and teachers also put together a family carnival that began at 4:30 p.m. Games, prizes, food trucks, cultural performances and family fun were just a few attractions.

Rio Vista opened in 1966, and 50 years ago marked the debut of the first Star Trek episode (titled “The Man Trap”), as well as the introduction of the great party game “Twister.” In sports, the Baltimore Orioles defeated the LA Dodgers (4-0) in the World Series, and the Boston Celtics defeated the LA Lakers (4-3) in the NBA Championship. Under President Lyndon Johnson, a new home cost $14,200, a new car cost $2,650 and a gallon of regular gas cost 32 cents.

My, how times have changed!

Click here for our Facebook album of the “Rio Vista 50th Anniversary Celebration.”