WOOLWICH TWP. — On September 5, 1963, Superintendent Robert Costill welcomed 675 middle and high school students and 34 teachers to the new Kingsway Regional High School. Built on land sold by Henry Salisbury, Mr. Costill was charged with bringing together students from several communities who were attending Swedesboro and Woodstown High Schools to form a new student body and to develop new traditions and practices that would begin the cultivation of our Kingsway community.
Over the course of fifty years Kingsway’s name has become synonymous with excellence, tradition, and success. The many students and staff who made Kingsway their home have not only contributed to our rich history but also taken with them many fond memories of a wonderful school system.
On September 5, 2013, current Superintendent Dr. James J. Lavender had the distinct pleasure of kicking off Kingsway’s 50th Anniversary as he welcomed 2,425 middle and high school students, 178 teachers, and 158 support staff. “Although Kingsway still occupies the old Salisbury farm, one could say that the many renovations and construction projects coupled with decades of enrollment growth left our original footprint unrecognizable. What can be recognized is Kingsway’s spirit which has captivated generations of students since 1963 and is affectionately and passionately embodied in our motto, ‘Once a Dragon, Always a Dragon,” said Lavender.
This month Kingsway is excited to launch its Anniversary website which includes fifty years of history, pictures, and anecdotes. “This page will continue to evolve as many folks associated with Kingsway continue to send in great information to share,” added Jennifer Lusch, Kingsway’s Web Administrator. The website can be found at http://www.kingsway.k12.nj.us/50th/.
A number of celebratory events have been scheduled throughout the year and begins with a brunch in honor of current and former staff as well as 1964 graduates, Kingsway’s first graduating class, and ends with a special commencement exercise scheduled on June 17, 2014. A special event scheduled for Saturday, October 26th has been scheduled as both a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the new additions and renovations as well as a flag raising ceremony to celebrate the district’s fifty years. Additional events can be found on the website at http://www.kingsway.k12.nj.us/events/ and include several special recognitions during each home football game.
Kingsway’s home football opener is scheduled for Thursday, September 12th at 7:00 p.m. and will honor former players from 2000-2013. The following recognition ceremonies for each home football game are planned as follows: September 20th to honor former players from 1990-1999; October 4th to honor players from 1980-1989; October 25th to honor players from 1970-1979; and, November 28th to honor players from 1963-1969.
In addition to these events Kingsway’s football team will commemorate this milestone year by displaying the 50th logo on one side of its football helmet and the letter “K” on the other. Other varsity athletic teams will wear a patch on their uniform jersey.
“Kingsway’s 50th Anniversary is an important community event and promises to make for an exciting school year for everyone involved. We are looking forward to celebrating our anniversary with our current and former staff, students, graduates, and our community,” added Lavender.
For more information go to Kingsway’s 50th Anniversary Website at http://www.kingsway.k12.nj.us/50th/.
