Millers Flat School remains the focal point of the community, 125 years after it opened, say those attending the school anniversary celebrations, held over the weekend.
"For a small area, Millers Flat punches above its weight. We've got a fine school, hall, swimming pool and sportsgrounds. There's a strong sporting focus and kids from here often make rep teams," anniversary committee chairman Norman Roos, of Dumbarton, said yesterday.
A church service yesterday followed by a barbecue capped off a great weekend, Mr Roos said. More than 360 people travelled from as far away as England to take part in the festivities.
The jubilee cake was cut by the eldest ex-pupil at the celebrations, 95-year-old Hettie Gunn (nee Orr) of Roxburgh, together with the youngest pupil at the school, Emily Perkins (5).
"The highlight of the weekend has been the people. Everyone's enjoyed themselves and caught up with old mates," Mr Roos said.
He paid tribute to the rest of the committee, who had done an "outstanding" job, and to school principal Chris Smith, who got the ball rolling to mark the milestone anniversary.
Millers Flat resident Alistair McIver took the church service yesterday and said the school had been an important influence in the community. The district should be proud of the loyalty and dedication shown by the staff "and may it continue to be a beacon of succeeding generations".
Ex-pupil Oone Rogers, of Windsor, England, combined a trip to visit her family in Christchurch with the anniversary.
"This event was a real drawcard."
She received all her primary schooling at Millers Flat, starting in 1965 and said it was an area with strong community values and the school gave her a good foundation for life.
Ralph Couling, of Dunedin, taught at the school for five years from 1957, when it had a roll of more than 80 and said it was "a very sport-orientated and welcoming community, just as it is today".
The school has a roll of 34 pupils.
