May 23, 2025—On Saturday, May 17, Durham Middle School celebrated its 25th anniversary with a community party that stretched from the inside of the building to the outside. Local food trucks—Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee, Smash Hit Burger, and Kona Ice—as well as Seven Springs Church and the Durham PTSA, were onsite to join the fun and support the school's important milestone.
In addition to the food trucks and sponsors, guests enjoyed bounce houses, face painting, and live performances throughout the day from Durham Dynamix, the Durham Jazz Band, and the Fiddlers. Smiles were everywhere as participants reconnected with teachers, shared memories, and celebrated the school’s legacy.
Special guests at the afternoon event included Mr. Jimmy Durham, a descendant of the original Durham family, and Post 1 School Board Member Randy Scamihorn.
"Georgia had the land lottery in 1831 and 32, and my ancestors moved from South Carolina to here. We originally had around 400 acres, and that's the land that Durham Middle School and Frey Elementary are on now," Mr. Durham explained.
Mr. Durham said that former state senator and school board member Lindsey Tippins helped the Durham family sell the land to the Cobb School District. "We didn't want a subdivision on the land, and Lindsey said that the District was looking to build a new elementary school in that area. We couldn't donate the land, but we came to an agreement on price that both sides were happy with," Mr. Durham said. "They built Frey first [in 1996], and then Durham was built four years later."
Mr Durham also pointed out that his family had strong ties to Cobb Schools. "My mother's sister taught at Ford, my wife's grandmother taught at Kemp Elementary, and my sister-in-law worked at Baker Elementary. So we're kind of intertwined in many ways," he concluded with a warm smile.
"We welcomed hundreds of current and former students, families, and staff for a fun-filled event under beautiful spring skies," said Durham Principal Shannon Thorpe. "It truly was a day of smiles, music, and community spirit. It was a celebration to remember!"
