This October, Bryant Middle School will mark its 75th anniversary with Bryant Strong, an evening celebration to remember the many past accomplishments of students, staff, and the community. The event will take place on Thursday, October 1st from 6-8 p.m. Former students and staff are encouraged to attend.
An Alumni Reception for staff members, including former teachers, admins, and non-instructional staff, will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Former students and staff, guests, and current stakeholders are welcome to join the open house and enjoy the festivities. Raffles, games, and giveaways will be available throughout the evening along with two food trucks onsite: Keaik and Bakri Coffee. To top off the evening, the Bryant PTA will offer light refreshments.
Students will also celebrate the 75th anniversary with a school spirit week leading up to the Bryant Strong evening event.
In September of 1951, Clara Bryant Ford Junior High School opened its doors. Dedicated to the wife of Henry Ford, the building opened to 771 students. Though the school was designed to hold only 900 students, by the fall of 1953, 1,100 students were enrolled in the 5th through 8th grade school. Today, the school enrolls 781 students.
Clara Bryant Ford was born in 1866 in former Greenfield Township. She was the oldest of ten children and eighteen years old when she met Henry Ford. On April 11, 1888, the two were married. As Ford’s name grew, Clara remained interested in the local community. She began the Garden Club in 1915 and was the impetus behind the Dearborn Public Library, now the Bryant Branch on Michigan Avenue in downtown Dearborn. In 1951, Clara Bryant Junior High was dedicated only days before Mrs. Ford’s death, leaving a legacy in her name.
To celebrate its storied history, Bryant’s event will kickoff with a welcome from former Executive Director of Staff and Student Services, Ms. Maysam Alie Bazzi, and Superintendent Mike Esseily. Throughout the evening, students will give short presentations on Bryant’s history through each decade.