By Kathy Chouteau
The community’s most famous 104-year-old celebrated her birthday Monday at her namesake elementary school in El Sobrante.
Betty Reid Soskin isn’t even her family’s oldest relative, according to daughter Diara Reid. A 107-year-old great aunt bore that honor.
“So be prepared, we will be coming back here,” she told a crowd at Betty Reid Soskin Elementary School to great applause.
Monday’s birthday celebration gathered in the school’s library amid the centenarian being framed by a balloon garland and tall birthday cake. WCCUSD personnel and others addressed her, while her family members looked on.
“She is truly an inspiration. She’s a living legend in our community and we are so excited to have a school named after her,” said WCCUSD Superintendent Cheryl Cotton. She underscored Ms. Betty’s connection with the school’s students and said she demonstrated what longevity in life looks like.
Cotton added that the school namesake is also a good example of commitment to work and work ethic. “She worked well into her 90s and was fully committed to this community and we appreciate her.”
Amongst the birthday legend’s family were granddaughter Alyana and grandson Patrick. “Thanks for being here and honoring my grandmother,” Alyana Reid said to the crowd. Student body leadership student Clinton shared that, “Me and my other councilmembers are proud to be part of this school.”
School Principal Jason Lau had his own take on Ms. Betty. “Your legacy reminds us that it’s never too early, or too late, to make a difference,” he said, thanking her for her contributions and for just being who she is. “You’re an amazing inspiration to our students, to our staff, to our community, and you’re an incredible blessing to our world.”
Family members rolled Ms. Betty outside in her wheelchair following her time in the library. At the school’s Quad, she was greeted by more than 400 students holding cheerful signs and singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to her.
Betty Reid Soskin, the nation’s oldest national park ranger prior to her retirement, is also a celebrated author, Civil Rights activist, onetime co-owner of California’s first Black-owned record store and more. Her legacy continues to inspire the community.
