Alumni take final walk before of historic Orangeburg school is razed
ORANGEBURG, S.C. - It’s the end of an era for a historic Orangeburg high school.
Howard Middle School, which was once Wilkinson High School and Orangeburg’s first African-American high school, is being demolished to make way for the new Robert E. Howard Elementary School.
Wilkinson High School alumni made their way back to walk through the school’s halls one last time on Wednesday.
Former students said that the pride found within the school gave them the strength to overcome barriers, even though their educational resources were limited.
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“We were segregated,” said Evia Thomas. “We had used books from the white high school, however, we were not deprived academically. Our motto was ‘strive to excel, not to equal’ and that is what promoted and encouraged us.”
While news of the historic school’s demolition created mixed emotions throughout the community, many alumni say they see the change as just another way Wilkinson High School is promoting progress.
“It’s kind of bittersweet tearing down the building,” said Debra Brunson, another Wilkinson High School alumna. “But I feel good because I know in the end that I’ve done what’s best for children, and the pride now (is) in all of the communities in Orangeburg County. They have upgraded facilities.”
The demolition process has already started. In total, it will cost $55.6 million, $40 million of which was donated through a Department of Education grant. The projected timeline for the project’s completion is December 2026.
Orangeburg School District Superintendent Shawn Foster said the new school will help preserve the history of Wilkinson High School.
“The foundation still remains, but the opportunity to merge history with the future doesn’t mean some parts have to be forgotten,” he said. " This is an opportunity for us to ensure this community that the legacy, the things that Wilkinson has meant to this community, will remain and that history will not be forgotten.”
Now, as former students look ahead to the future of the historical land, they said they’re confident Wilkinson High School will never stay ingrained in the community.
“A lot of great memories for that school, but we hold dear in our hearts the nurture that those teachers gave us. They could see potential in us that we didn’t see in ourselves,” said Judith Salley, another Wilkinson High School alumnus.
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