Brea Junior High School celebrated a significant milestone on September 24 as the Brea community gathered to recognize the school’s distinction as the oldest grammar school in Brea in continuous operation.

The recognition ceremony honored more than a century of students, educators, families and community members who have helped make Brea Junior High an important part of Brea’s history. A commemorative plaque, generously donated by the Mojave Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, was unveiled during the ceremony as a permanent reminder of the school’s remarkable legacy.

Brea Junior High opened its doors in 1916. By the beginning of the 1917-18 school year, the school had 10 classrooms, a 600-seat auditorium, 275 students and 11 teachers. At the time, Brea was a small community closely connected to the local oil industry, and the school quickly became a source of community pride — an architectural gem built by a small town.

One of the stories from the school’s early years illustrates the resourcefulness and community spirit that helped shape Brea. Because some students lived in remote areas of the oil district, local ice man Ed Peterkin converted one of his trucks into a school bus to transport students to and from school.

More than a century later, that same spirit of community continues to be part of Brea Junior High.

During the ceremony, Brea Junior High ASB and Cheer welcomed guests and helped create a memorable celebration for the school and its community. Their participation provided a meaningful connection between the students of today and the generations of Bobcats who came before them.

"Today, this campus continues that legacy. Generations of Bobcats have walked these halls, learned in these classrooms, performed on these stages, built friendships and created memories that have stayed with them long after they left this school," said Superintendent Brinda Leon during her welcoming remarks.

She also spoke about the future and how Brea Junior High will be transformed for the next 100 years through the voter-approved Measure H bond. The Brea Junior High modernization project will create a modern learning environment while honoring the campus’s history. Plans include a new gymnasium, a new library, a dedicated sixth-grade wing and improved student drop-off and pick-up areas. The historic administration building where the plaque was placed, will also be preserved, helping maintain an important connection to the school’s past.

The plaque unveiled during the ceremony will serve as a lasting reminder of where that journey began.

BOUSD extends its sincere appreciation to the Mojave Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for their dedication to preserving and keeping Brea Junior High’s history alive. Their contribution ensures that future generations will have an opportunity to learn about and appreciate the people, stories and community spirit that have shaped this historic school.