The event was held in honor of the numerous donors who helped keep the building standing and contributed to massive renovation efforts during the past six years.

Those who attended the event were invited to tour the building, which included several recently-restored classrooms complete with books, chalkboards and desks, as well as the auditorium area, which featured new curtains, sound equipment, and backstage dressing room areas.

In the entrance to the school, a new plaque detailing a brief history of the building and naming in part those donors who helped keep it standing had been placed on the wall. Adjacent to this marker, old photographs of the school and its students were set up on display for visitors to peruse.

According to Judge Sharion Aycock, who led the renovation efforts, the crowd proved all the effort worthwhile.

“I’m excited. We have a great turnout — lots and lots of people — and it’s a beautiful day,” she said. “I think everybody has been pleased with the renovations. We’ve had a lot of very positive comments.”

The event opened with a brief presentation detailing some of the building’s history and the efforts to preserve it. Mostly, it was about offering thanks to those who thought Fulton’s history shouldn’t be dismantled.

Among those was IAHS drama teacher Victoria Blake, who played an instrumental role in restoring the grammar school by utilizing the building’s auditorium for the past several years to host the high school’s annual stage productions. While speaking to the crowd, Blake said she was happy to see the Fulton Grammar School finally in tip-top shape.

“It’s a dream come true. It’s all been very wonderful,” Blake said, adding that students with a a passion for drama could not have a better environment in which to stoke their interest. “Believe me, these efforts are making a big difference. Many, many young people will reap the benefits for years to come.”

Originally, the building was going to be demolished after the opening of Itawamba Attendance Center in 1999.

In September 2001, the school was designated as a Mississippi landmark by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, enabling those interested in preserving the building to secure grants from the Mississippi Arts Commission and the Community Heritage Preservation Program. This money was matched through the donations, labor and services of numerous individuals, civic groups, local businesses and the city of Fulton.

The event also served as an introduction to the IAHS Indian Players’ upcoming production of “Annie,” which will take the stage this Friday. Cast members, including Annie herself, as portrayed by Itawamba Attendance Center fifth-grader Anna Robinson, were onhand to help cut the ceremonial ribbon on the building’s revamped auditorium and sell tickets to the first official performance therein.

Blake, a lifelong supporter of the arts, said she would like to see the building be increasingly utilized by members of the community.

“This building is not just for the Indian Players; it is a community building,” she told the crowd. “Personally, I would love to see it become a community theater or a place to offer summer programs for young people. It could also be used for many other types of programs or events.”

The grammar school was renovated with the aid of numerous donations. Donors included: Carl and Nannette Comer, Johnny and Bessie Lynn Crane, Jimmie and Hilda Crane, Fulton Civic Club, Fulton Lions Club, T.C. Gibbs, Rubye Del Harden and Rosa Lee Jones, Larry and Laura Homan, Bill Jamieson, Travis and Jo Gaither Staub and J.C. Whitehead.

There were also numerous individuals who purchased seats inside the school’s auditorium. More seats are available, at a cost of $200 each, the money from which will go to continue renovation efforts. For more information call 862-9650.