Springview Heights Community Dedicates School Memorial

By MJ Kneiser, WLHR Radio, Lavonia

Members of the Springview Heights community in Lavonia gathered last Monday morning to dedicate a granite bench in memory of the old Spring Street Colored School, which was later called the Spring Street School.

The granite bench was recently purchased and installed on the site of the old school along with a new flagpole and American flag.

The Spring Street Colored School, as it was originally called, opened in 1955 in the Springview Heights community.
Its name was later changed to Spring Street Elementary School.

The school building was eventually torn down in the 1970′s, but the old gym remained, which is now the Springview Heights Community Center.

During last week’s ceremony, several of the school’s alumni took time to recall their time at the school.

Nicole Pinkston and James Holbrook are two members of the first graduating class in 1956.

Pinkston called the commemoration ceremony a blessing.

“It’s good to be here today and to take this moment to celebrate,” Pinkston said. “Just to see the improvements that have been made here. It’s just a blessing.”

Holbrook was also part of the first graduating class in 1956.

He said he was proud to be part of the school’s history.

“I’m proud to be out here today,” he said. “We all went to the school and graduated in 1956. It’s a pleasure to see all these people out here today. I’m just proud to be here.”

Lavonia Mayor Ralph Owens also spoke and thanked everyone for their hard work in making the granite bench a reality.

“I want to thank all of you who have worked so hard to make this come true,” Owens said. “You have done a real good job with it and we’re happy for Springview Heights. Thank you so very much.”

The total cost of the granite bench was $2,800.

Of that, the City of Lavonia contributed $1,200 and also installed the concrete pad the bench sits on.