VALDOSTA — Though the school is long closed, the memories of time spent at Pinevale High School remain.

This weekend the Pinevale High School class of 1969 is gathering to reminisce, reflect and recall their time at the facility.

The class of 88 students was the last to graduate from the all-black high school before integration.

On Friday the former classmates got together at the Wingate Hotel to socialize and prepare for other events scheduled throughout the weekend.

The former students consider themselves the spirit keepers of Pinevale, Dr. Willie Houseal said.

“Pinevale had a lot of spirit,” he said. The success of the individuals who passed through the halls from 1956-1969 is seen in all walks of life: military, academic, religious, civic and business, Houseal said.

Graduating from Pinevale High School in 1969 was a joyous occasion tinged with sadness as the students knew the institution would be closed, Houseal said.

“There were a lot of mixed emotions about all the civic activities taking place,” he said. “Around us there was a lot of anxiety but we had hope, hope for a better tomorrow and integration was a step toward that.”

The school was a place that promoted cultural growth and a community atmosphere, he said.

Leroy Butler Jr. attended the Friday meet and greet, though he did not graduate in 1969.

A 1967 graduate of Pinevale High School, Butler accompanied his wife, a fellow Fighting Tiger and 1969 graduate Gloria Butler.

The high expectations in the classroom were also on display in athletics, Butler said.

A member of the 1963-1964 state championship football team, nothing but the best was expected at all levels, he said.

“It was an excellence that was demanded,” Butler said. “The teachers absolutely refused to allow for mediocrity.”

Dorothy Paulk Lance echoed Butler’s sentiments by recalling a particularly exacting chemistry teacher by the name of Mr. Wilson.