Harold Martin School teachers, students and faculty admittedly like to celebrate, and they recently had 50 reasons.

To kick off the Hopkinton school’s 50th anniversary, school officials held festivities on Monday, Sept. 15, giving students a chance to meet some special guests. Among them were former faculty members.

“I love Harold Martin School,” said Gov. John Lynch, a resident in town and whose children attended the school. “This is a school that not only teaches you the skills in (class), but also a love for learning that will stay with you for the rest of your life.”

Students played an important part in the ceremonies as students performed a song and the Hopkinton High School jazz band played a tune.

Two school employees whose faces can be seen on a daily basis are Patty Raymond and Peg Hill, who work in the cafeteria.

Raymond has worked at the school for 25 years and Hill for 15, but the pair first got to know each other years before they became co-workers. Both Hill and Raymond were first-grade students during the opening year of Harold Martin in 1958.

“Until they started getting the celebration ready, it never really hit you,” said Hill. “It’s been a long time, and to think we really have come full circle is exciting.”

Knowing each other so well helps keep work entertaining, and Raymond said they found the ideal spot to work.

“We have a good time and there’s a lot of laughing. It’s a wonderful atmosphere,” said Raymond. “We couldn’t ask for a better building to work in, and we really are all a family around here.”

Harold Martin School Principal Bill Carozza is entering his ninth year at the helm, and one of his biggest wishes heading into the event came true.

“I’m just glad there’s good weather,” he said. “It’s great to have past teachers and administrators here to give the kids the chance to see how important history is.”

Carozza also said the school plays an integral part in the Hopkinton community.

“In a small community, schools tend to be the center of things,” he said. “Schools truly run much better when the community is involved, and that is certainly the case here.”

Malcom Merrill, former principal of Harold Martin, spoke about how much things have changed since he was in the school when it had only six classrooms and one telephone.

“We had no computer lab. I saw your computers, and wow,” he joked.

Merrill also talked about the pride he holds for his former school, and said he knows current students at Harold Martin will feel the same way as they grow older.

“I know how proud you are of this school; you’d have to be crazy not to be,” he said. “We were just as proud of our little school when I was here.”

Gov. Lynch also told students of the memories they will have.

“Harold Martin is a family, and I was proud to be a part of it. You’ll look back as you grow up and have the same love for this school one day,” said Lynch. “I think this school reflects all that is so good about the education system in New Hampshire.”