Moulton Elementary school in Laguna Niguel celebrated its 50th anniversary with a school-wide assembly on Thursday, Nov. 13. Students, staff and parents were joined by local dignitaries and former Hawks to reminisce about the storied history of the school on the hill.
Students and visitors were welcomed to school that day with the Dana Hills cheerleaders, some of whom are Moulton alums, lining the walkway as they came up from the parking lot. Principal Riki Belshe and the Moulton PAL students led the special ceremony- 50 Magical Years of Moulton. The students shared the 50 Acts of Kindness project that aligned with the anniversary, where the entire school was encouraged to do something kind every day for 50-straight days. Moulton received special proclamations from California Assemblywoman Laurie Davies and the City of Laguna Niguel, with Mayor Pro Tem Gene Johns and Councilmember Stephanie Winstead on hand to present.
CUSD Trustee Jennifer Adnams started her teaching career at Moulton, loving her time as a Hawk. CUSD Associate Superintendent Greg Merwin congratulated Moulton on being a longstanding model of a successful elementary school in the District.
Moulton had created a time capsule in its early years, placing items inside to reflect what life was like in the early years of the school. In 1995, the original time capsule was opened, and a new one was created for the next generation of Moulton history. It was placed behind in a wall behind the plaque where the original capsule had rested. When the school went looking for that capsule to celebrate the 50th, the space was empty. A little online sleuthing revealed that the capsule had been opened in 2000 for some new items, and placed somewhere new. Unfortunately, no one knows where exactly. The staff scoured the campus, even using a metal detector, but to no avail, the capsule could not be located.
The current Hawks were not discouraged though, creating a new time capsule for 2025, featuring all of their favorite toys, movies, games and foods. The new capsule was placed in the original place behind the plaque, where it will be easier for future Hawks to find.
The ceremony also featured a walk through Moulton history, with an alum from every decade reflecting on their memories at the school. JP Collins was in fourth grade when Moulton opened, creating a neighborhood school for his friends. They were involved with choosing the Hawk mascot, in honor of the Hawks that often flew above the school, and he noted the original colors were gold and brown. Brooke Hellewell Reynolds remembered how kids would make plans to play after school or ride their bikes to each other’s houses, since there weren’t any cell phones in the 1980’s. Emily Sorenson Beck, who was one of seven Moulton Hawks in her family, recounted when the lower playground was built in the 1990’s, replacing a large wooded area where students would play. Former principal Curt Visca headed the school from 2002-07, when special events like the Halloween carnival and Fun Run were created. Grant Winstead had fond memories of all the fun he would have playing with friends and teachers in the 2010’s. Isabella Castanos came back after leaving Moulton last year to share some great advice for the current students to enjoy their time at Moulton.
Congratulations Hawks, and here’s to another great 50 years!
