Bella Vista Elementary hosted a Memory Night celebration on May 4, bringing together over 800 current and former students, teachers, and families to celebrate nearly 60 years of school history. The event in Cottonwood Heights served as a gathering for generations of community members to reconnect through shared memories of school assemblies, plays, and lifelong friendships.
Former Principal Garth Anderson shared a personal story regarding a rock given to him by a kindergarten student decades ago, noting that he keeps the item as a reminder of life through a child's eyes. Anderson, who led the school from 1990 to 1995, also recalled memories such as Shakespeare performances and dressing in a gorilla costume to celebrate students reaching reading goals.
Attendees explored memory books and class photos while enjoying food trucks and cake. The event included group photos with alumni and faculty, and attendees received commemorative pins along with a drone photo of the Class of 2026.
Several community leaders were in attendance, including Canyons Board of Education President Amber Shill, Board member Katie Dahle, incoming Superintendent Dr. McKay Robinson, and incoming Assistant Superintendent Mindy Robison. Also present were Director of Elementary Schools Sally Sansom and former Cottonwood Heights Mayor Kelvyn Cullimore.
Cullimore, a former member of the school's Community Council, reflected on his role in helping create the Canyons School District. Shill brought an Olympic pin designed by Bella Vista students for the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City.
Alumni shared various recollections of school life, such as Sherry Milner, who enrolled in 1969 and remembered intense tether ball games during recess. The celebration highlighted the long-standing role of Bella Vista Elementary as a central part of the community for six decades.
