STATEN ISLAND ACADEMY HISTORY

Founders Celebration Weekend
October 15, 16 & 17, 2004

Staten Island Academy celebrated its 120th birthday with style, ceremony and celebratory pomp! To fete our 1884 founding, the Academy kicked off the year with a series of birthday events, beginning in October with Founders' Celebration Weekend. The three days of activities included a salute to the school's distinguished past, a giant birthday cake, archival exhibits, a carnival with games, rides, car wash and barbecue and other surprises. Throughout the year, the Academy held other events in honor of its founding including exhibits, film and speakers' series, and a benefit auction.

Archival Photos

Friday, October 15th
Happy Birthday, SIA!
A daylong birthday celebration for students began with a special gathering to hear the story of the Academy’s early days as seen through the eyes of Anton Methfessel, the founder of our school.
There was a birthday cake for all at lunch after students enjoyed a typical 1884 student lunch in the Commons. Balloons galore and fun for all.

Saturday, October 16th
Academy Day Carnival, 11:00AM-4:00PM
The Olympics came to the Academy with an assortment of games, rides, prizes, raffles and more. Participants in Olympic theme activities, enjoyed refreshments at the Country Store, bought a school hat or backpack, or had their car washed. Everyone enjoyed the feast at the traditional barbecue, which benefited the Class of 2005. This annual event is sponsored by the Parents’ League. Admission is free. Open to the public. OJ Buck Gymnasium.

Across the Decades, 12:00 noon-2:00PM An exhibit of archival photographs dating from 1884. A wonderful glimpse into the early days of the Academy. Photos included classroom scenes, Academy school buildings, athletic teams, student clubs and images of a bygone era in Staten Island.

Honoring Our Past, 1:00-1:45 pm
Screening of video of the student birthday celebration festivities.

Helping Hands
Help us continue another important Staten Island Academy tradition: giving to others. Please bring non-perishable food items every Founders' Day as a contribution to the school’s Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. Collection baskets are located in the OJ Buck Gymnasium, and Haugen and Crowe Halls. Collected food are donated to a local
charity.