Celebration held for reopening of historic Academy Street High School building in Troy

The ribbon has been cut for the official reopening of the historic Academy Street High School building in Troy.

The school was Troy’s high school for Black students during segregation, operating from 1946 until 1970.

Former students and community members gathered Saturday, July 5, to usher in the reopening and to share memories.

“I am just glad to be here today and just to see all the students again. I am thankful that I’m still here and to be a part of it, and that means so much to me, that I can be a part of this wonderful experience today,” Margie Caffey, the oldest living graduate of Academy Street, told Action 8 News.

Former student Gary Blair shares thoughts of his time at Academy Street High School and what he remembers.

“Everything. everything. I lived long enough in this world to see this happen, allowed me to be able to make it. I’m so thankful by God’s grace that I’m here this moment.”

Phase one of the restoration included classrooms that are named after graduates, the remodeling of the auditorium, bathrooms, foyer and other areas on the first floor.

“The vision for the Academy Street school is to make it viable to the community. That’s the vision — to have a positive impact on this community. And so, when you pray for a vision, God lets it come through. And so that’s what we’re hoping and praying for,” Troy City Council Member Wanda Howard Moultry said.

Phase two is expected to include the overhauling the gymnasium, playing fields and an amphitheater behind the school.