Escola Básica N° 278 Dr. Raúl Peña, located in the Cabañas district of Caacupé, celebrated its 100th anniversary on Monday, the 18th, with a program that included a protocolary ceremony and a civic student parade. The event brought together municipal and departmental authorities, representatives from the Ministry of Education and Sciences (MEC), as well as teachers, students, former teachers, and alumni.
Activities began with a ceremony at the school itself, marked by tributes to the generations that contributed to the institution's growth. Alumni classes from 1985, 1988, and 1995 were present and participated in the celebrations. Afterwards, the civic parade took place on Gaudioso Núñez Street, the main thoroughfare of the region, led by the honored school and accompanied by 18 invited educational institutions. Students paraded with flags, posters, and uniforms, to the applause of the public.
The school principal, Lic. Sonia Mabel Franco Giménez, described the celebration as “a deeply historic and emotional moment” for the entire educational community. She recalled that the school was founded in 1926, initially operating under a grapevine at the home of Juan Bautista Ortega, thanks to the efforts of those who believed in education at the time. “Seeing so many generations gathered shows that the school not only educates but also builds bonds that last a lifetime,” she said.
Franco Giménez highlighted that the institution's greatest legacy was forming citizens with values, knowledge, and a sense of responsibility. She added that the centenary leaves a message for new generations that “education transforms lives” and reaffirms the commitment to continue strengthening teaching and creating opportunities for students. The day was also marked by reunions among former classmates and teachers, reinforcing the feeling of pride and belonging in the Cabañas community.