Decatur, Georgia – A special classroom celebration in metro Atlanta turned into a heartfelt moment across generations as a 100-year-old Atlanta resident joined his great-granddaughter’s kindergarten class to mark the 100th day of school. The visit transformed a simple school tradition into a living history lesson centered on family, faith, and a century of change.
Incident Overview
The celebration took place at Saint Thomas More School, where kindergarten students traditionally mark the 100th day of the academic year by bringing 100 objects or dressing up like centenarians. While many students arrived with collections of buttons, beads, or coins, KJ Schmansky brought something far more memorable—her 100-year-old great-grandfather, Sonny Ragan.
The appearance quickly became the highlight of the day, drawing curiosity, laughter, and admiration from students and teachers alike.
Timeline of Events
The school marked the milestone as the unofficial halfway point of the school year, a tradition meant to make learning numbers tangible and fun for young students. On the morning of the celebration, kindergartners dressed as seniors and prepared for a show-and-tell activity.
Instead of presenting objects, Schmansky introduced her great-grandfather, who was born on October 8, 1925, and has lived through a full century of American history. His arrival shifted the focus from counting items to hearing real-life stories spanning 100 years.
Details From Family and School
Ragan, a lifelong Atlantan except for a brief period of military service, immediately connected with the students through humor and storytelling.
“I was born October the 8th, 1925, in Grant Park. Well, not in the park,” Ragan joked, prompting laughter from the class.
For the children, the moment felt like stepping into a history book—only this time, history could answer their questions directly.
Key Facts About Sonny Ragan
- Name: Sonny Ragan
- Age: 100 years old
- Date of Birth: October 8, 1925
- Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
- Military Service: U.S. Navy (three years)
- Relationship: Great-grandfather of KJ Schmansky
Other than his naval service, Ragan has spent his entire life in Atlanta, witnessing the city’s transformation from a much smaller Southern town into a major metropolitan area.
Classroom Reactions and Student Questions
The kindergarteners eagerly asked Ragan about life “back then,” focusing on everyday experiences they could relate to.
“They asked him questions like what was different from now and then,” Schmansky explained.
Ragan recalled questions that reflected how much society has changed over the decades.
“Did I have a car? Were there grocery stores?” he said, smiling as he described the curiosity of the students.
Teachers noted that the visit naturally reinforced lessons about numbers, time, and history in a way no worksheet could replicate.
A Century of Change in Atlanta
Ragan described Atlanta as “a big, big change” over the course of his life, having lived through the Great Depression, World War II, the civil rights era, and the city’s modern expansion. His perspective offered students a rare, personal connection to history—one that extended far beyond textbooks.
Faith, Family, and Longevity
When asked what he credits for reaching 100 years of age, Ragan pointed to simple but powerful values.
“What’s kept me going for 100 years? Faith and family,” he said.
His bond with his great-granddaughter was evident throughout the visit, especially when he spoke about their relationship.
“I’m not good with that many words, but she’s the best. I tell you, I love her with all my heart, and I think she loves me the same way,” Ragan said.
Conclusion
What began as a routine school milestone became a meaningful reminder of how shared stories can bridge generations. For one Atlanta family and a classroom full of kindergartners, the 100th day of school turned into a celebration of a century of life, love, and learning.
Ragan says he now has a new goal—to reach 105 years old so he can continue watching his great-granddaughter grow. Share your experiences in the comments below.
