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Recognizing the SHS Class of 1971 as we Celebrate 50 Years of Integration

The Starkville Oktibbeha School District and Starkville High School will celebrate 50 years of full integration this fall.

Throughout the Yellow Jacket football season, the District will highlight the SHS Class of 1971, who represents the first, fully-integrated class of students to graduate from Starkville High School.

Each week on our social media channels and at each home football game, we will highlight remembrances from the 1970-1971 school year — stories of a community coming together, mandated by federal desgregration, but bound by the desire to compete, to learn and to meet the weight of the times under the banner of Yellow Jackets.

"Integration is an important milestone in the history of our school district and our greater school community," said Supt. Eddie Peasant. "This celebration is a tribute to that first class and those who have followed. Their journey is our shared history and our path forward."

The District will host a special celebration and community-wide reception to mark the 50th anniversary of integration on Friday, October 22, at 5:30 pm in the SHS gym prior to the Yellow Jackets football game.