Palmer High School Celebrates 150 Years with Community Event

Alumni, students, and staff reflect on the school's history and traditions as it looks to modernize its campus.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:19am

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring a repeating pattern of a vintage school bell in neon pink, yellow, and blue hues, conceptually representing the enduring traditions and school spirit of Palmer High School.A community celebration honors the 150-year legacy of Palmer High School, a Colorado Springs institution that continues to shape young lives through tradition and innovation.Colorado Springs Today

Palmer High School in Colorado Springs celebrated its 150th anniversary with a community event that brought together students, alumni, and supporters. Attendees explored displays highlighting the school's past, connected with current clubs and programs, and reflected on the traditions that have shaped generations. As the school looks to the future, renovations are underway to modernize the historic campus, with completion expected in 2028.

Why it matters

As one of the oldest high schools in Colorado, Palmer High School has long been a cornerstone of the Colorado Springs community. The 150th anniversary celebration underscores the school's enduring legacy and the strong sense of community and tradition that has defined it for generations.

The details

The celebration invited attendees to walk through the historic school, explore displays highlighting its past, and connect with current clubs and programs. Alumni and students had the chance to reflect on traditions that have shaped generations, with senior class president Darnell Robinson noting, 'It's really cool to know that Palmer has improved over all these years and now we're able to celebrate 150 years of Palmer still being here.'

  • Palmer High School was founded in the 1870s.
  • The school celebrated its 150th anniversary with a community event this weekend.
  • Renovations to modernize the historic campus are expected to be completed in 2028.

The players

Darnell Robinson

The senior class president at Palmer High School.

Susan Fletcher

The president of the Palmer High School alumni association.

Krista Burke

The principal of Palmer High School.

Palmer High School

The oldest high school in Colorado Springs, founded in the 1870s, with a reputation for strong academics, traditions, and a diverse student body.

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What they’re saying

“It's really cool to know that Palmer has improved over all these years and now we're able to celebrate 150 years of Palmer still being here.”

— Darnell Robinson, Senior class president

“Palmer has been a huge part of my life. I think a lot of people feel that Palmer is a big part of their life.”

— Susan Fletcher, Alumni association president

“I think the biggest thing that stands out about Palmer is our kids. The way they support each other and treat each other is unlike any other, and that stems from the traditions over the past 150 years.”

— Krista Burke, Principal

What’s next

The school's renovations to modernize the historic campus are expected to be completed in 2028, helping ensure Palmer remains a strong part of the Colorado Springs community for generations to come.

The takeaway

Palmer High School's 150th anniversary celebration highlights the enduring legacy and community-driven spirit of one of Colorado's oldest high schools. As the school looks to the future, its commitment to preserving traditions while embracing modernization will be key to maintaining its status as a cornerstone of the Colorado Springs community.