Lula J. Edge Elementary will open its doors to the community for a centennial celebration on Monday, November 10, from 4 to 7 p.m., honoring 100 years of public education in Niceville.
- The celebration commemorates the 1924 land deed when George Nathey conveyed seven acres to the Okaloosa Board of Public Instruction, establishing what would become the community’s original neighborhood school.
Originally known as Niceville High School, the institution has weathered numerous challenges throughout its history, including fires in 1926 and a hurricane in 1936. Each time, the school was rebuilt with community support and assistance from the Works Progress Administration (WPA).
The Centennial Celebration will feature live music under trees planted by teachers and students over 50 years ago, refreshments in the cafeteria, and local food vendors. Visitors can explore historical displays including vintage yearbooks and class photos.
- Former students, faculty and staff will share oral history presentations throughout the evening. Each grade level and department has prepared displays highlighting a specific decade in the school’s history through research, timelines, photographs, articles and artifacts.
The school made history in 1943 as the first county school to offer a nine-month school term to accommodate military families from Eglin Field. It became Niceville Elementary in 1952, and was renamed Lula J. Edge Elementary in 1962 to honor Lula J. Edge’s commitment to preserving the school. A Florida Heritage Marker commemorating this history was unveiled at the school in May 2024.
“Edge Elementary is more than just brick and mortar; it’s generations of families who have grown up here, and many have returned to send their own children,” the school said in a statement. “We hope the community will join us to honor our past and celebrate the future of Niceville’s original neighborhood school.”
The Okaloosa County School District invites community members to attend the free celebration.
