Alumni, students, staff and parents all gathered together this afternoon at Cooper Elementary to celebrate the program before it closes this year.

Photo albums, a historical timeline and other memories filled the school's auditorium. While the school's community enjoyed cake, coffee and punch, they flipped through historical materials and talked about their school.

Laura Payton, who has taught physical education at the school for 16 years, began to tear up when she talked about the school.

"(Cooper is) a hard working school with dedicated staff have always had the kids best interest at heart," she said.

Senita Devuaux, a parent at Cooper, also talked about the school's dedicated staff. She said the staff helped her third grade daughter develop a talent for singing.

"I don't think that could have happened without teachers that pay attention and really have a strong interest in our children," said Deveaux.

And while the event was a celebration, many attendees were mourning the closing of their school.

"It's a serious loss to the community," said Deveaux with tears in her eyes. "We're really going to miss it."