The Edwin M. Stanton School in South Philadelphia celebrated its 100th anniversary with a community block party on Saturday, September 27, 2025. The event brought together current students, alumni, and faculty to honor a century of history, even as the school faces an uncertain future amid potential district-wide closures.
Key Takeaways
- Edwin M. Stanton School, a K-8 public school in South Philadelphia, celebrated its centennial anniversary.
- The celebration occurred as the Philadelphia School District reviews its buildings for potential consolidation or closure due to underutilization.
- Stanton is currently at 64% capacity and its building is rated in "poor" condition, but it has a strong, multi-generational community.
- Alumni and former teachers shared stories of the school's impact and its history of surviving previous closure attempts.
A Centennial Celebration on Christian Street
On Saturday, the block of 17th and Christian Streets transformed into a festival to honor the Edwin M. Stanton School's 100-year legacy. The celebration featured performances by the Eagles Drum Line, a salsa dance lesson, and various activities for children, including games and face-painting in the school playground. Food vendors and local stands added to the festive atmosphere.
The event drew a large crowd of current students, their families, and generations of alumni who returned to the place that shaped their formative years. For many, it was a reunion filled with hugs, photos, and shared memories of the teachers and lessons learned within the century-old building.
Alumni Reflect on School's Enduring Impact
Many former students attended the event, sharing personal stories about how Stanton influenced their lives. Charles “Charlie Mack” Alston, who graduated in 1977 and later worked as Will Smith's bodyguard, was among the well-known alumni present.
Alston, 59, recalled how his time at the school instilled a sense of duty. He served as a student safety patrol, helping younger children cross the street during field trips. He said this early responsibility helped shape his character. "The person you are as an adult is the direct result of your childhood," Alston stated, emphasizing the school's foundational role.
"Stanton is like a community. It’s like … going to your grandfather’s house." - Velma Smith, Stanton Alumna
Velma Smith, 53, echoed this sentiment, describing the school as a central part of her family's life. She, along with fellow alumna Sabrina Webb, listed multiple family members—sons, daughters, and cousins—who all attended Stanton and were taught by the same group of dedicated educators.
The Legacy of a Beloved Teacher
During conversations among alumni, one name was mentioned repeatedly: Mrs. Geraldine Moser. She was remembered as a teacher who was both strict and nurturing. "If you was bad, she’d let you know it, and call your parents," Smith recalled. "It was almost like [having] a second mother."
Quaintella Asberry, 67, attended the centennial wearing a shirt with Mrs. Moser's face printed on it to honor her former teacher, who passed away three years ago. Asberry, who knew her as Miss Wood, said, "She gave us a great foundation." She remembered learning French and discipline in her classroom. Later, Moser taught Asberry's son.
Geraldine Moser's daughter, Jannel Moser-Morris, 54, also attended the celebration. She said the event was a powerful reminder of her mother's impact. "This was her second home," Moser-Morris said. "Teaching was her passion in life."
An Uncertain Future Amid District Plans
The celebration of Stanton's past is set against a backdrop of uncertainty. The Philadelphia School District is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of its facilities, with a plan to address significant under-enrollment across the city. Final decisions on which schools will be repaired, consolidated, or closed are expected by the end of December.
Stanton School by the Numbers
- Capacity: 64% full (316 students in a building for 527)
- District Status: "Moderately underused"
- Building Condition: Rated as "poor"
- Neighborhood Vulnerability: Rated as "moderately vulnerable"
According to district data, there are approximately 70,000 empty seats in Philadelphia's public schools. While some schools have over 1,000 unused spots, Stanton's situation is less severe, though its building condition is a concern. The district considers factors like building safety, accessibility, and technology in its ratings.
Philadelphia's School Closure Process
The Philadelphia School District is developing a facilities plan to address its aging infrastructure and declining enrollment. An initial list of schools slated for investment, co-location, or permanent closure is expected this fall. The process aims to create a more efficient and equitable distribution of resources for students across the city.
A History of Resilience and Community Support
For Stanton, the threat of closure is not new. The school community has successfully fought to keep its doors open on multiple occasions over the past five decades. This history of resilience adds another layer of significance to its 100-year milestone.
Dianne Kuczka Scot, who taught at Stanton from 1972 to 1989, recalled the repeated battles. "The district tried to close the school four times while I was there: twice in the ’70s and twice in the ’80s," she said. The school faced additional closure risks in 2003 and again in 2011.
Scot expressed concern that despite reaching this historic landmark, the school might be vulnerable once again. "I’m worried that this little old school has made it to 100 years, but they’re thinking of closing schools," she remarked.
As the community celebrated a century of education and memories, the future of Edwin M. Stanton School remains a pressing question for its dedicated network of students, parents, and alumni.