GULFPORT, Mississippi (WLOX) – On Friday, buses lined up in front of a historic building that has shaped the lives of many people in Gulfport.

Years after the old 33rd Avenue High School building was damaged by Hurricane Katrina, it was renovated – a very special sight for former students.

Buses lined up outside a historic building in Gulfport that has shaped the lives of these graduates. The old 33rd High School building was extensively renovated after it was damaged in Katrina, a sight that many, including Gulfport City Councilman Kenneth “Truck” Casey, said was worth seeing.

“It’s amazing compared to the high student numbers back then. With the modern technology, the way the classes are designed and what they have to offer in terms of career prospects and medical subjects, it’s going to be great for the students,” said Gulfport City Councilman Kenneth “Truck” Casey.

Councilman Casey attended the school in the 1960s during segregation and just as it was being integrated. He had the opportunity to talk to some old friends with whom he walked the halls. Although he did not graduate, he shared the joy felt by the other graduates.

“It was very exciting. They were singing the old motto and songs about the old 33rd school and just chatting and talking about old memories,” said Councilman Casey. “Some of them were born in the same community where I was born and lived for years.”

The city councillor said he was pleased with the work being done on the building and was looking forward to seeing the halls filled with students again.

“I looked at Mr. David Harding’s architecture and I’m just amazed. It’s incredible,” said Councilman Casey.

Other alumni share the city council’s opinion.

“It was a beautiful feeling to see the original bricks still standing, integrated into the new ones,” said alumna Ruthie White. “It was a feeling I can’t describe.”

White graduated from high school in 1956 and was involved in several clubs, including basketball and band. As she spent her Friday mornings reminiscing about the old days, she was more than grateful that the building was still standing.

She is also a member of the alumni association. The group and other community members, like Gayle Tart, fought the city to prevent the school from being demolished after Hurricane Katrina. They believe the school’s history should be preserved.

“We had students from Bay St. Louis, Saucier, Turkey Creek, Hattiesburg and other areas coming from this school. We had people coming to school by train,” White said.

“This school is the only school and building owned by Gulfport that represents black history and culture,” Tart said.

The school now houses the Gulfport Job Corps Center, a group that has been renovating the building for years. Both women had a chance to explore the renovated building and say they are glad that some things have been preserved, like this wall, which has remained unchanged since the school opened.

The women said they were happy that the school’s legacy was being kept alive by the students.

“When they come, they will be proud to be future Trojans and carry our colors, and that is very heartwarming to me. Our history continues,” White said.

“I started here. It took me to Tennessee State and Howard University, so yes, it has to endure. It shows what you can do and what you can become,” Tart said.

This project has taken years to complete, but officials expect to begin cutting the ribbon next week.

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