GALLERY: "Farewell to Old LW"

Several hundred students past and present gathered Saturday to say “Farewell old LW” in the building that is scheduled to be demolished this summer.

The school and Lake Washington School District hosted the event, featuring a sale and silent auction of trophies, banners and other memorabilia, and it became a reunion of sorts for many former students.

They met, hugged, reminisced and took photos, often with classmates they had not seen in years or even decades.

“What strikes me is that this truly is a community school, more than other schools I’ve been involved with,” said Christina Thomas, who is in her first year as principal at Lake Washington. “Never have I seen the sense of community I see with Lake Washington. It’s very touching.”

The school, first opened in 1949, is in the midst of a complete modernization. The new school will open in September, with four modern learning “houses,” a new theater and a gym, which is already operational. The $89 million modernization is being funded through a $436 million bond measure to rebuild LW and 10 other schools, passed by voters in 2006.

Perhaps it wasn’t surprising, given the school’s 62-year history, that the event was packed. But the principal was taken aback.

“I’m just shocked at the turnout,” she said. “I never would have expected this many people. I met some ladies who graduated in the '50s who said it looks the same.

“There’ a lot of history here. It’s exciting.”

The old main building will remain standing for the school year and is slated for demolition in July. Thomas said the school will host a barbecue for the community on Aug. 16 to introduce the new school design.

Proceeds from the auction and memorabilia sale will be used to pay for a new electronic readerboard on the campus.

Construction photos and more information on the new building are posted on the Lake Washington School District website.