A report from Lee Ann Dubaz, distict historian, regarding the 150th anniversary of Biloxi Public Schools, which will be celebrated May 17:

--- To see more than a hundred photos from Biloxi Public Schools through the years, click here

--- To see a draft of the program for the 150th anniversary ceremony on May 17, click here

Time capsules - one for each school to be buried with a ceremony on May 17th and to be opened up for the 200th Anniversary. Each school should have a list of all students, staff, cafeteria and custodians to be put in the time capsule at their location.

Each school should also invite retired teachers, staff members and former students. Also everyone will enjoy birthday cake. This alone will impact about 6,000 students and employees.

After May 17th please send me the location of your time capsule and the items that was put in it. (If you have not already done so please call Mr. Bogard to prepare the place that the time capsule will be buried.)

The formal ceremony will be held at Biloxi Junior High School on Monday, May 17th at 5:30 p.m. Following the ceremony (which I don't think should last more than an hour) will be the reception in the cafeteria. The entire reception will be hosted and paid for by Chartwells. Please get the word out to your staff, parents and students about the ceremony - we hope for a big turnout.

After the ceremony people will be able to pick up a set of the 3 books on the history of the Biloxi Public Schools. (donated by the Peoples Bank and Roy Anderson Inc.) I am having 500 printed up. Also people will be able to sign up to order their yearbook on CD.

We will have order forms to request a high school diploma if people have lost theirs. We will have different magnets of the schools to give away. We will also have 750 mouse pads with the district logo on it to give away. (The entire May 17th celebration will be funded by private donations!) The Mayor, City Council and other local and state officials will be a part of the ceremony. Dr. Tom Burnham, Dr. Olon Ray, Dr. Larry Drawdy, Dr. Tisdale, the School Board and Fred Haise will also be a part of the ceremony.

I have had several meetings with teachers and students at BHS. The band, chorus, ROTC, Honor Society, Art Club, Student Council and other groups will be involved.

Lots of pictures will be taken. I have one time capsule that will be buried several weeks after May 17th that will include pictures of the May 17th celebration all throughout the district. We may not be around in 50 years but our family will be.

If you have any questions please feel free to call me.

Thank you,

Lee Ann Dubaz,

Secretary to the Superintendent,

District Historian