Port Wentworth Elementary alum gather for emotional closing ceremony
The school is closing largely due to its age
The school is closing largely due to its age
The school is closing largely due to its age
On Sunday, Port Wentworth Elementary School invited former students and teachers back inside one last time for a closing ceremony.
“From chalkboards to smart boards, we dedicate 105 years of molding and educating the children of Port Wentworth,” said Dr. Tonia Howard-Hall, vice president of Savannah’s Board of Education.
The school is closing because of its age. There are also safety concerns with it being on a busy, industrial road across from the port.
It's been 24 years since Bogus was a student in his old Port Wentworth Elementary classroom.
“Yea, it's sad, but it's not like a depressed sad, it's like saying goodbye to an old friend,” Bogus said.
Bogus brought his daughter along with him for the closing ceremony. She's the same age he was walking the halls all those years ago, but this visit with his daughter meant so much more.
“We actually planted the trees out front of the school,” Bogus explained. “They said, ‘One day these trees are going to be super tall and you guys are going to come here with your kids and you're gonna show them the trees and say, 'We planted that.''''
Sunday was that day for Bogus.
“It's really complete. Especially coming with my child too,” Bogus said.
After more than a century, 30,000 students and 1,000 staff members later, Port Wentworth’s last day is May 24. Its 105-year history won't soon be lost. The memories made back then and one last time today will be with alumni like Bogus forever.
“It's just a great experience to be here, especially to experience this,” Bogus said.
The school district says students will be split up between Brock or Garden City Elementary or Rice Creek K-8.