Gibbs Elementary celebrates World Penguin Day in honor of namesake

ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – April 25 is World Penguin Day—a day to raise awareness about the bird species, but for Rochester’s Gibbs Elementary the day has an additional meaning.

The school uses the day to honor its namesake, George Washington Gibbs Jr., who was the first person of African descent to set foot on the continent of Antarctica. He made the trek in 1940 as a member of Richard E. Byrd’s third Antarctic expedition.

As part of the day’s celebration, the school invited George Gibbs Jr.’s wife, Joyce Gibbs, to speak with students on the impact of her late husband.

“I just love coming to Gibbs school and I just love seeing the students and I just love coming to the school that is named for my husband,” Joyce Gibbs said.

Later in life, George Gibbs Jr., became a founding member of the Rochester Branch of the NAACP. For staff and students, the day is not just about celebrating penguins, it’s also about remembering the Gibbs family’s work in the community.

“We’ve been able to really embed all of that into the things that we do here so its a great learning opportunity for our students,” Gibbs Elementary Principal Mark Randall said.

For Joyce, it’s a great feeling being invited back to the school that continues honor her husband’s mark on history.

“I come so frequently, and I know its George Gibbs School and i just enjoy the honor of being here,” Joyce Gibbs said.

This year marks the 15th year the school has celebrated World Penguin Day.

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