Cambridge Central School, rebuilt in 1950 after a devastating fire, was the site of the Norman Rockwell painting “Triumph in Defeat” which appeared on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post on May 23, 1953.
In many ways, the Cambridge of Rockwell’s image is the same today as it was nearly 60 years ago. In addition to the door to the principal’s office being the same as the painting, the rolling hills and rich farmland of the Cambridge Valley have changed little. While the school remains central to the community of residents; a friendly blend of artists, craftsmen, small business owners, and farmers, it has displayed a sense of regional and global citizenship by engaging in initiatives that reflect a progressive mindset. This forward thinking is shown in the building projects to enhance both energy efficiency and the learning environment. From new energy efficient windows, self-monitoring lights, and solar panels on the roof to availability of mobile computer and iPad carts or the Smartboards in every classroom, their district has shown its commitment to the technologies essential to their learning and natural environment.