Ella Fitzgerald Middle School celebrates 50th school year on namesake's birthday
Posted: April 25, 2025
Ella Fitzgerald Middle School celebrated its 50th birthday year as a school on namesake Ella Fitzgerald's birthday on April 25.
Music, speeches and the reading of a commemorative proclamation issued by Newport News Public Schools were part of the morning celebration in front the school. A new outdoor seating area was opened and dedicated during the festivities, which were themed in the purple and white colors with the music notes motif that illustrates the school's Jazz mascot.
Senator Danny Diggs, School Board Vice Chair Dr. Terri Best and School Board member Rasheena Harris joined a large number of Fitzgerald students who were in attendance.
NNPS Superintendent Dr. Michele Mitchell made welcoming remarks, Fitgerald Principal Dr. Jaraun Ransome spoke about honoring the past while embracing the future, and Best read the official proclamation.
Eighth grade student and Student Council Association President Kahlan Melrose provided greetings, seventh grader and Morning Announcer Derek Perez-Rodriguez led the Pledge of Allegiance and sixth grader and Student Ambassador Isabella Norman gave a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald.
"Ella Fitzgerald showed us that no matter where you come from or what challenges you face, you can rise above them," Norman said. "She faced hard times, really hard times. But she never gave up. She used her voice not just to sing, but to inspire, to break down barriers, to bring people together. She had grace, determination and she always stayed true to herself.
"And that's what we try to do here at Ella Fitzgerald Middle School. We work hard; we lift each other up; we celebrate who we are and where we come from, just like Ella Fitzgerald did. She reminds us to find our voice, to believe in ourselves, and to dream big."
Ransome individually introduced numerous former EFMS principals who were in attendance, as well as several teachers and staff members who had been part of the school's family during earlier years. He also credited the former principals, teachers and staff who weren't present.
"Today we are gathered not only to celebrate a birthday, but to lift up a legacy, to honor the name above our doors-Ella Fitzgerald-and the journey that's brought us 50 years strong as a school, a home and a heartbeat of this community," Ransome said.
He went on to thank the current staff and faculty, while expressing utmost excitement for the school's future and the difference its current and future students will make in society.
"To the students-this is all for you," Ransome said.
The school's Echoes of Ella JAZZ Ensemble directed by Eleanor Johnston entertained those in attendance with their renditions of "The Star Spangled Banner" and "It' a Lovely Day Today." Adina Harris, who attended then-Dozier Middle School as a student from 2006 to 2009 and has been Fitzgerald's chorus teacher since 2023, sang "Hero."
Construction of the new outdoor area was completed with aplomb just in time for the ceremony by Eric Johnson, an eighth grade math teacher at EFMS, and a group of dedicated students. It will be used as an outdoor classroom and gathering space in front of the school.
The structure served as the stage for remarks and performances, and was enjoyed by students and attendees, in preparation for being part of many more memories still to be made.
"Today is a milestone anniversary to mark the contributions and history of Ella Fitzgerald Middle School to our community and to our city," Mitchell said. "Thank you so much for being a part of it."
