The students, faculty and staff of Bishop Noland Episcopal Day School gathered Monday for a groovy party to honor the school’s 70th anniversary.

They decked themselves out in ’70s themed garb and celebrated with cupcakes, ice cream and 70 eagle-themed gifts given out during a raffle. Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter even stopped by to speak to the students about the landmark event.

Bishop Noland Episcopal Day School opened in the fall of 1953 with just seven students attending classes in the parish hall, said The Rev. Frances “Boo” Kay, head of the school. In 1961, the school’s first six classrooms were built – symbolically, that building is where the 70th anniversary festivities took place.

The school continued to add a grade each year until sixth grade was taught on campus. The gradual additions continued over time, including new extracurricular activities and eventually a second campus that houses seventh through 12th grade students.

In May 2024, the school’s first senior class – the cornerstone class – will be graduating. This marks the completion of one of Bishop Noland’s biggest goals.

Kay said they utilize strategic long-range planning to accomplish financial and program-building goals, and have for nearly 40 years. Through the use of five-year plans accompanied by financial plans, they are able to avoid “haphazardly” completing projects and communicate their intentions with the community.

“That way, everybody knows what’s coming next and what we’re striving for. … When you have a vision that people can see ahead of time, then it helps you to raise whatever money you need for the next exciting capital campaign.”

She said that on the school’s 100th anniversary, she hopes the high school – sitting on 40 acres of land – is fully built, making Bishop Noland “a vibrant school with two campuses.”

The party was scheduled to align with Episcopal School’s Celebration Week, Oct.1–7, which is celebrated by over 800 episcopal schools nationwide. They began with a church service on Sunday where students participated in the choir.

At 8 a.m. on Wednesday, they will be hosting a blessing of the pets in honor of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. These events will be followed by a fall break.

Bishop Noland prioritizes a balance of hard-work and fun, she said.

“School is much more than our academic excellence. We have fun along the way so that they can learn and be in a joyful environment.”

They are known for their academic excellence, environmental initiatives, community work and service-based learning, she said, and are involved in local, state and global efforts, including participating in the Backyard Bird Count Initiative and supporting their school based in Haiti for just over 30 years.