GLADSTONE — Oakhill Day School celebrated a milestone in its Welcome Project on March 6, as students, staff, and community members gathered to witness the demolition of the White House on Northeast 71st Street and Cherry Lane. The event marked the official start of the first phase of the school’s long-term campus enhancement plan, which will transform the space into additional green space for students to learn and play.

The day began with a Panther Party, where students took part in their own demolition fun. Both the Main Building and South Building housed cardboard white houses, which students decorated with their creative ideas for the future space. Among the many suggestions were a grape farm, a playground for younger students, and a small pond. Later in the afternoon, the entire Oakhill community gathered outdoors for a kick-off ceremony, culminating in the official demolition of the structure.

The project was made possible through the support of Josh and Brittany Perkins, along with the assistance of members of the local community, including the Gladstone Chamber of Commerce and the city of Gladstone, who were in attendance to commemorate the event.

Suzanne McCanles, head of school, took a moment to recognize key members of the community who helped make the project a reality.

“Over the years, we’ve had incredible friends of Oakhill who have played an instrumental role in helping us take this next step,” McCanles said. “We are grateful for individuals like R.D. Mallams, a former city councilman and Oakhill grandparent, who has supported us for years; Amy Harlin, president of the Gladstone Chamber, who champions community connections; and Austin Greer, assistant city manager of Gladstone, who works to ensure a bright future for this city. Their contributions, along with the generosity of our donors, make this transformation possible.”

Haley Haar, an Oakhill parent, attended the event to honor the memory of her late mother, Elizabeth Anderson. The future garden, which will serve as a tribute to Anderson, holds special significance, as she would have celebrated her birthday on the same day as the Raze the Roof event. The space will receive further dedication during the 2025 Acorn Day Celebration, as it has been selected as the primary beneficiary of Acorn Day fundraising efforts.

Josh Smith, Oakhill’s president of the board of trustees, shared his enthusiasm for the project’s impact.

“The demolition of the White House is the first step in bringing our campus master plan to life,” Smith said. “Over the past few years, Oakhill’s administration and the Board of Trustees have worked together to shape a vision that ensures we carry our mission forward for current and future students. This green space is just the beginning, creating room for growth and new, innovative learning environments. We are incredibly grateful to the families and supporters who have contributed to making this vision a reality.”

To learn more or contribute to the Welcome Project, visit oakhilldayschool.org/support/welcome-project.