Rebuilding History
For decades, Barbara Collins has made it her mission to unearth and unveil her school’s history. Barbara Collins was one of the first African Americans to graduate from Pell City High School. When local schools integrated in 1969, Collins was transferred from St. Clair County Training School to PCHS and graduated in the class of 1970. She is now working to rebuild the history of St. Clair County Training School.
Collins has been working to rebuild what was lost during the transition time for the school, which was in the the building that is now home to Duran South Junior High School.
Since the Training School closed, Collins has been searching for any and all memorabilia from the school. She is now reaching out to the community to aid in her search. She is looking for any trophies, photos or other memorabilia and alumni may have.
Collins is the Reunion President for the school’s attendees. The first reunion was held in 1990 and is open to all former students and their descendants. This year’s reunion will be held Sept. 2-3.
Those wishing to attend may contact Barbara Collins to register for the reunion in advance, or register at the event, on Sept. 2. The reunion will be held at the Pell City Civic Center.
Friday, Sept. 2, will be registration and a gospel extravaganza. The following night, Sept. 3, will be a banquet. The dress for Saturday is semi-formal, and a live band will be there to provide entertainment for the event.
For more information, find the event page, titled St. Clair County Training School Reunion on Facebook.