Hawthorne Elementary School was completed in 1955 and open for the first day of school on September 6th. Principal Les Cummins had a staff of 22 teachers serving students in grades 1 through 6. It was Kennewick’s fourth elementary school.
State superintendent of public instruction, Pearl Wanamaker, traveled to Kennewick to dedicate the half-million dollar building. The Kennewick Irrigation District and local residents granted easements to their land so that John Day Avenue could be widened from 30 to 60 feet. Sidewalks were added in order for students to travel safely to and from school. The school’s boundaries stretched from the Columbia River to 23rd Avenue and from Ely Street to Colorado Street.
Student safety patrols guarded the railroad tracks north of Canal Drive. Children living on Neel, Morain, and Perry Loops walked across the tracks each day to reach the school.
Hawthorne PTA was established soon after its opening, with Mrs. H.R Muns serving as the first president. Other officers included Mrs. Lester Bruns, vice president, Mrs. Gene Davis, secretary, and Mr. Robert Lehto, treasurer. The PTA held several family oriented activities including a Family Fun Night, a school carnival, a Mother’s Tea, as well as sponsoring Cub Scout Pack #65, and Blue Birds.
In 1995, Hawthorne was remodeled. The circa 1955 boiler was replaced with modern heating a cooling units and walls of windows were replaced with smaller, more energy efficient glass. Exterior doors and carpet were added to each room along with additional electrical outlets and 5 networked computer drops. The library was enlarged and a mini computer lab added. The 44,965 foot building is situated on 15 acres in the Kennewick Highlands.