Members of Maddux Elementary School's very first kindergarten class walked the same hallways as current students on Aug. 13, when the Anderson Township school marked its 60th anniversary with a community celebration.

The evening gathering brought back alumni, former teachers and retired staff for a reception featuring six decades of memorabilia, building tours and a chance to reconnect. The event doubled as the school's back-to-school bash, held just days before the 2026-27 school year began on Aug. 18.

Harold Z. Maddux's youngest daughter, Nancy, arrived with her three sons, their wives, several grandchildren and her great-grandson, who is named Maddux. Harold Z. Maddux dedicated more than 40 years to education in the Forest Hills community, including service as a principal, and the school was named in his honor when it was built in 1966.

The family filled a row.

The administrative team, led by Principal Joy O'Brien and Assistant Principal Zach Larson, presented Nancy with the school's 2026 staff shirt, which reads "Maddux Strong for 60 Years."

"My dad would be so proud of this school," Nancy said, accepting the shirt.

The milestone caps a banner year for the K-6 school, which serves roughly 617 students. In May, the Forest Hills Board of Education recognized Maddux as a 2026 National Gold Star School from the National Association of Elementary School Principals. Only 57 schools nationwide received the inaugural honor, and Maddux was the sole Ohio recipient.

"It is an honor for Maddux to be selected as a National Gold Star School," O'Brien said in April when the award was announced. "This prestigious award is a direct reflection of the dedication, talent and hard work of our teachers and staff."

The 2026-27 school year began Aug. 18 for students with last names M-Z and Aug. 19 for last names A-L.