Festus High School has rescheduled Douglass Night for 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, when it will commemorate the history of the former Douglass Cooperative High School that enrolled Black students during segregation.
The recognition for the old school will be held at Festus High, 501 Westwind Drive, right before that night’s varsity boys basketball game when the Tigers take on the St. Clair Bulldogs. Tickets for the game will cost $3 for adults and $2 for students.
Festus originally had scheduled Douglass Night for Jan. 16, but it was postponed because of inclement weather.
Also on Feb. 21, presentations about the Douglass Cooperative High School will be given during social studies classes. Artifacts from Douglass School will be displayed during those classes and in the school foyer before and during the game.
The Douglass School was housed in a building where Festus’ Shropshire Park is located, and it enrolled Black students not only from Festus, but also from Crystal City, Herculaneum,
De Soto, Bonne Terre, Farmington, Potosi, Fredericktown, Ironton, St. Mary and Ste. Genevieve, according to information the Festus R-6 School District provided.
Prior to the start of the basketball game, Douglass alumni will be recognized in a special ceremony on the court. During the game, the Tiger basketball players will wear Douglass Trojans throwback jerseys.
Festus last held a Douglass Night in 2020, offering similar activities.
For more information, contact Pope at 636-638-2004 or popekevin@festusedu.com.