The Hill Demonstration School Reunion will be held on campus Oct. 17-18.The Delta State University National Alumni Association has been working with volunteers to plan the upcoming Hill Demonstration School Reunion, which will be held on campus Oct. 17-18.
The Hill Demonstration School was an integral part of the teacher education program at Delta State from 1926-1956. The program began under President William Kethley and was led by Laurie Doolittle. The primary purpose of the school was to help educate future teachers, as well as provide quality education for children in the surrounding area. The elementary school was discontinued in 1957.
The idea for the reunion was conceived by former HDS students. The event is open to all former students, staff, family members or anyone connected with HDS. Over 100 attendees from 10 different states are currently signed up for the affair.
The schedule kicks off Friday at 6 p.m. with a social at the Hugh Ellis Walker Alumni-Foundation House. Saturday at 10:30 a.m., guests will be treated to a Delta State University campus tour, followed by a luncheon at the Alumni House. At 1:30 p.m., there will be a special presentation of the state historical marker to commemorate HDS. The marker will be placed in front of the Roberts-LaForge Library and will include the following words:
* Hill Demonstration School. In 1926 the Hill Demonstration School opened for grades one through six, with kindergarten classes added in 1929. This laboratory-style school for Delta State student teachers had an initial enrollment of twenty-five and was housed in the basement of the men’s dormitory, Hardee Hall. In 1930, the school moved to Hill Hall with space for administrative offices, classrooms, and an auditorium. The Hill Demonstration School closed in April 1957.
The marker is being funded by private donations. For those wishing to register for the event or to make a donation for the marker, visit www.deltastategiving.org/alumniassociation/hilldemschoolreunion. For more information, contact the Alumni Association at 662-846-4660.
