Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 5, from 4 PM to 7 PM, for the 100th anniversary of the beloved and historic Grandview-Hopkins school.
This monumental milestone marks a century of quality education, strong community ties, and a grit that can only be found in the most rural parts of Texas.
Located nearly 20 miles south of Pampa sits Grandview-Hopkins, a cozy K-5th grade school that is steeped in history, painting a scenic picture among the plains of some of Gray County’s first pioneers, and the ways and means of education that was provided to the children during those days.
While much of the information about the formation of the original school is limited and lost within the sands of time, there are many fascinating pieces on display within the school that give a glimpse into the conception and operation of the hidden gem, including old newspaper articles, trophies, class photos, and worn ledger books.
More impressive than the display pieces is the threshold linking the newer building and the original building, and with just a single step forward, time seems to flow backward.
Lining the walls of the two hallways on each side are school yearbook photos of students and staff throughout the decades, well-preserved and just as clear as if they were taken only yesterday. The modern concrete floor transitions to hardwood, and the ceiling and fixtures are familiar with the popular design seen in other historic buildings of the Texas Panhandle-high and elegant.
Newcomers may take fascination with the building when looking upon it with fresh eyes, but the teachers and staff who walk up and down the halls everyday can tell you that the fascination never ends and a tender fondness for this school hidden within the high plains will forever remain in their hearts.
Ties to the school run deep, as many of the students and staff are linked by community and family, and it’s not uncommon to see former students come back to the school as teachers with even their own children in attendance.
“In digging through different things, there are a lot of names that are in these board minutes from 100 years ago, and those family names are still in the schoolboard,” 2nd Grade teacher Deborah Davis said. “Traditions run deep here.”
While many may not have connections to or know much about Grandview-Hopkins or even where its located, the name and its reputation for being a wonderful school has undeniably been heard throughout the Pampa community. The smaller class sizes, the greater focus on individual students and their needs, and limited outside distractions make this charming school a true powerhouse for quality education.
“Our class limit-11 would be considered a big class out here,” Grandview-Hopkins Superintendent Kent Hargis said. “We have always said we didn’t want no more than 10 or 12. When you have a little school like this, you always wonder if there will be enough students for the school year, but up to this point after 100 years, we keep rocking on.”
Although the Texas panhandle is notorious for wildfires, tornados, and hailstorms throughout the year, Grandview-Hopkins has still remained untouched, further validating its prominence and resilience that is sure to stand for another century.
The teachers and staff at Grandview-Hopkins invite all former alumni to come and celebrate with them next Sunday at the school, and to share any photos or pieces of history you may have.
If you would like to order a commemorative shirt for the event, go to www.tshirtsandmorepampa.com/grandview. For more information or to RSVP for the event, contact Deborah Davis at deborah.davis@gvhisd.net or call 806-669-3831.
