The United States is about to celebrate its 250th birthday, and the Wantagh School District is already thinking ahead to the nation’s tricentennial. On June 4, students and staff buried a time capsule at the high school-middle school complex, to be opened in 50 years.

Over the last few weeks, students in social studies classes from grades 6-12 were invited to write reflections based on one of several prompts. They could write about life as a Wantagh student now, the day-to-day of a typical teenager in America or their curiosities about the future. Nearly 1,500 reflections filled four large tubes that are now buried in a hole between two trees near the picnic tables. The Daughters of the American Revolution Jerusalem Chapter included an American Flag pin and State Sen. Steve Rhoads, a Wantagh graduate, provided a copy of the Declaration of Independence. The hole was dug by members of the buildings and grounds staff. 

The ceremony included remarks from Director of Humanities Dr. Julie Rosslee, Nassau County Legislator and Wantagh graduate Kayla Knight and a representative from Senator Rhoads’ office. Nearly 20 middle school and high school students took turns filling in the hole with dirt, as well as administrators, teachers and guests. The selected students included winners of the Daughters of the American Revolution annual essay contest, a district Memorial Day essay contest and high school Key Club members. 

“As we put these capsules to rest, let us remember that America is a continuing story,” Dr. Rosslee said. “Each generation adds its own chapter. May these student voices inspire those who open the capsule in 2076 to keep building a better nation – one rooted in hope, responsibility and liberty.”

Dr. Rosslee added that a stone will soon be added to the site so future generations of Wantagh students and staff will know to unearth the time capsule in a half-century.