Union Grove High School Marks 6th Reunion with Celebration of History and Heritage
By: Shelia Mader
The halls of Union Grove School may have long fallen silent, but the legacy of its students, teachers, and community remains strong. This past weekend, alumni and friends came together for the 6th The Rockets Annual Whole School Reunion, honoring not only their shared memories but also the important role Union Grove played in Jackson County’s African American history.
Union Grove School was first established in the early 1900s as a grade school serving students from first through eighth grade. Located in the northeastern corner of the county near what is now Basswood Road in Greenwood, the school quickly became a cornerstone for African American families in the area.
In 1953, a new brick building was constructed, and in the spring of 1954, Union Grove celebrated its very first graduating class. Many of those early students remember walking long miles to reach the school, as buses were not available for children during that era. Despite the hardships, Union Grove stood as a place of learning, resilience, and community pride during a time when segregation limited educational opportunities.
The tradition of gathering for a Whole School Reunion began six years ago, and each year the celebration grows. This year’s events, held August 29–31, drew in alumni and friends from across the region.
The weekend kicked off Friday evening with a fish fry at Greenwood Town Park. Around 75 guests gathered to enjoy fried fish, hush puppies, and all the trimmings, while catching up on old times and sharing stories that stretched back across the decades.
On Saturday, the celebration continued with a community picnic that brought together more than 100 attendees. Union Grove T-shirts were worn with pride, while laughter, hugs, and endless memories filled the air. Tables overflowed with food, proving once again that Union Grove gatherings are as much about fellowship as they are about feasting.
Saturday evening’s banquet at the Jackson County Agricultural Center on Penn Avenue was the highlight of the weekend. More than 100 people, dressed in semi-formal attire, shared an evening of reflection, laughter, and joy. The room echoed with stories of perseverance, friendship, and the bonds that still connect Union Grove’s extended family.
The reunion closed on Sunday morning with a moving worship service at Second West Florida Missionary Baptist Association Church. There, alumni and friends lifted their voices in praise, reflecting on the blessings of faith, education, and community.
Special thanks were extended to this year’s reunion chairpersons, Bettye Worlds-Dickens, Leo Sims, and Shirl Ann Williams, for their tireless work in keeping Union Grove’s spirit alive.
For those who once walked the dirt roads to Union Grove, the school was far more than just a place of learning. It was a beacon of hope, a symbol of strength, and a reminder that education has the power to shape lives and communities. The reunion ensures that this legacy continues to be celebrated and remembered for generations to come.
