Stoddert Elementary's Namesake Returns for a Day

Tuesday, students at Stoddert Elementary in Glover Park received a visit from top military brass and celebrated the history behind the school's name. The event reenacted the 1932 ceremony in which the new school ceremoniously received a portrait of Benjamin Stoddert, the school's namesake. Now that Stoddert is again "new" the school community celebrated in much the same style as 1932.

An actor convincingly played the role of Benjamin Stoddert, the first secretary of the Navy. Accompanied by First Lady Abigail Adams, Stoddert roamed the halls of the school, visiting three classrooms before speaking at the larger school event.

In classrooms, Stoddert and Adams shared history lessons about the American Revolution and the time thereafter, namely when Stoddert pushed for a large Navy for the young country. The actors joked with children, staying in character the entire time, asking bemusedly what a cars, planes and football were when students used the words when answering questions. At the assembly Stoddert suggested a new school greeting, "Ahoy!" Students eagerly echoed, "ahoy." Best of luck to teachers and administrators for the next few weeks...

The original Navy Secretary was later joined by a Navy color guard and Commander David Varner, current commanding officer for Naval support activity, North Potomac. In his remarks to the school community, Varner said the event was important because it remembered the history of the school and country while providing a link to the future through the young students.

During the ceremony, the portrait of Benjamin Stoddert originally presented by the PTA in 1932 was re-presented to current principal, Dr. Cuthbert. The event was largely ceremonial especially considering said portrait had actually been in safekeeping at Dr. Cuthbert's home during construction of the new building.

New gifts from the National Capital Chapter of the Navy League included a plaque with a biography of Benjamin Stoddert and a framed copy of the Washington Post article about the 1932 building dedication ceremony.