Story by: Nancy Bonds, Director of Communications
Stephen F. Austin Elementary celebrated a special moment in campus history this week as the school opened a time capsule created by students and staff in the year 2000. Former students, teachers, and principals returned to campus to join current third-grade students for the unveiling and enjoy refreshments together in the school library.
Former Austin Elementary teachers and administrators. Photo by Carrie Pyror-Newman.
Principal Heather Alarcon and Librarian Karen Trujillo led the event, carefully displaying each item for the group to see. The time capsule included treasures that reflected the era, including Beanie Babies, Hot Wheels cars, Pokémon cards, memory books, and other nostalgic items that sparked excitement from alumni and students alike. The capsule also included a VHS tape featuring each class introducing themselves, offering a nostalgic glimpse of the students and teachers who were part of the campus in 2000.
Barbara Wilson, who served eight years as principal and led the campus when the time capsule was created in 2000, returned for the celebration alongside former principal Laura Smith, who served the school for 20 years, with her last 12 as principal. Both reflected on the culture and community of Austin Elementary during their years of leadership.
When asked about her hopes for the students who would one day open the capsule, Barbara Wilson shared how meaningful it was to see former students return.
"One of the coolest things, even today, is seeing the students who came back. Thank goodness for social media. We have heard great responses."
Both Wilson and Smith spoke warmly about the school community as it existed in 2000, describing it as tight-knit, family-centered, and deeply connected. Smith emphasized how traditions like time capsules strengthen a school community across generations.
"Goose Creek is such a great district. I was born and raised here. I can look back and see pictures and memories and be in the same district and see kids who are now grown."
The principals also shared messages for the students who helped bury the capsule and described what it meant to reunite for this moment. Wilson described the emotional significance of the day.
"I was actually nervous, even though I am here every month. It feels different when the previous staff member comes back, and your heart is huge. You love these people. It is a great feeling."
Smith reflected on the deep bonds formed among the staff.
"We had a family, and these people became our best friends. Our kids would play in the hallway together. Many staff members brought their children to this campus."
Several former students also shared their favorite memories from their time at Austin in 2000 while holding items from the capsule. Brittany McArdle (Watkins), who was in fourth grade, remembered recess after lunch and visiting the snack bar for cookies and ice cream. Kylie Sobzcak (Peloquin), a fifth-grader at the time, recalled how much she loved Mrs. Hutchins, enjoyed snack time, and got to walk down to her mother’s classroom each day. Monica Perez (Suarez), who was in fourth grade, remembered the state test and proudly shared that she missed only one question on the reading test.
As current students listened to the stories and watched the items unfold, they received a firsthand look at Austin Elementary’s legacy, shaped by relationships and a strong sense of community.