On June 1, 1997, Grady High school celebrated its fiftieth anniversary with a day-long gathering of students, teachers, parents, and alumni. The celebrants participated in the opening ceremonies featuring past principals, speeches, and a slide show, class reunions; the burying of a time capsule (to the right of the flagpole); an historic play; and a sock-hop in the gym.
The school has undergone a radical facelift since 1947, when Boys' High
and Tech High merged and females were admitted to form Grady High. Even
students who graduated in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s expressed amazement
at the changes, both physical and demographic, that their school has experienced
since they departed.
However, returning alumni were equally amazed at what had remained the same--they walked the halls, examined old yearbooks, and exchanged memories with each other. Maybe it was participating in the events--dancing in the old gym, playing in the one-time band that was formed to commemorate the occasion--that made so many people enjoy the event.