HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Thomas Jefferson High School’s Class of 1974 is celebrating its 50th class reunion, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Hillsborough County’s desegregation in public schools. 

What You Need To Know

  • Thomas Jefferson High School's Class of 1974 is celebrating its 50th class reunion

  • It coincides with the 50th anniversary of Hillsborough County's desegregation of its public schools  

  • A federal court order was issued in May 1971 mandating the district to integrate its schools

  • The new Jefferson High School opened in 1973. Previously, students shared facilities, including sports teams and extracurricular activities, with A.P. Leto High School

Graduate Connie Rose says she is proud to be part of a historic shift in American history.

“So many stories,” she said. Rose preserved great memories through pictures, yearbooks, and other memorabilia from the Class of 1974.

“You know the best part about going to school 50 years ago at Jefferson High School? Coming together. So, you know the movie, ‘Remember the Titans,’ every single time I see that movie. That was us,” she said.

The central theme of desegregation depicted in the movie played out in Hillsborough County after a federal court order was issued in May 1971, mandating the district to integrate its schools. Rose said that despite community resistance, it marked the beginning of a new era for the school district.

“What did we know about diversity, equity and inclusion? What did we know about desegregation?” said Rose. “What we knew is that we were a group of kids that came together. A lot of us had never gone to school in a diverse setting before, and we had to fight for everything that we wanted and we needed. And we did. And we came together as one and love it.”

At their 50th anniversary celebration, graduates reunited. This included Albert Coleman, who was one of many students bussed in from other parts of Hillsborough County.

“A lot of us knew each other from elementary school and junior high school, and then we were a melting pot with another community that we didn’t know,” said Coleman. “So it was a great opportunity for us to meet new people and blend together. And we also we had the opportunity of naming the school.”

The new Jefferson High School opened in 1973. Previously, students shared facilities, including sports teams and extracurricular activities, with A.P. Leto High School. Ricky Gallen says they unknowingly formed strong and lasting bonds.

“It’s truly a blessing. We’ve basically been here in the city, and we cross paths in our careers all the time,” Gallen, one of the graduates, said.

It’s a legacy they say they are proud to be a part of.

“It’s about continuing to not only relate. Lay the foundation, but to let our youth know that at any time in your life, you never know when you’re going to tap into someone that went to your school, someone that’s your alumni and that they are your base. They’re your foundation for what you’re going to do next in your life,” she said.

The tradition of Jefferson High School reunions is something the Class of 1974 hopes to continue for years to come. They aim to keep the spirit of their high school days alive and thriving.

Following the closure of Jefferson High School in 1967, the school’s historical significance was forgotten. However, thanks to contributions from former students, the Jefferson High School Alumni Museum was established in 1993.