Evans City Elementary/Middle School opened its doors to alumni and the community this week for one final look before the building closes for good next month.

It was an opportunity for them to reminisce and reflect on their time as students.

Current students researched the school’s history and decorated the halls with their findings. Photos, yearbooks, jerseys and letterman jackets and other items were displayed on tables to spark memories and help find familiar faces. Families strolled decorated halls, connected with classmates and told stories about their time in the school.

Ronald McCormick, who graduated from Evans City High School in 1954, explored the yearbooks with his daughter, Kathy Senn, a 1979 graduate. McCormick said it was interesting to be back in the school, as it is “totally different” from when he attended.

“I came from a one-room schoolhouse and started here in eighth grade,” he said. “It was so big, I was scared I wouldn’t find my way around.”

Tracy Dentel, who has spent 28 years in the building as a student and current teacher, was excited to see so many alumni coming through the doors. More than 100 people attended Monday. The public also can get one last look at the school Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. and Monday from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

The school board will decide the fate of the building, which opened in 1938, at a future meeting. Current students will be moved to Ehrman Crest Elementary/Middle School, which is being constructed on Ehrman Road.

Opening up the school to the community was a gracious and heartfelt gesture. We’re sure it meant a lot for those attending. They got to enjoy one last look at their former school and recall their time there before its final bell.

— JGG