Pittsburg-Hillview Junior High School echoed music and laughs while the alumni gathered for a unique graduation dance to say goodbye to their past.
To give way to a new campus, the gym and the cafeteria at school will be demolished this month.
The oldest of the three secondary schools in the Pittsburg Unified School District, Hillview, opened its doors for the first time in 1958. It is one of several schools that benefit from the N measure, a measure of bonds of $ 85 million approved in 2016 for improvements and improvements before.
The construction of the new campus, which will be right next to the current school, was in phases in November 2023 and is expected to be completed next year.
The new campus, which will be similar to Parkeside elementary school in West 17th Street, will have a new gym and changing rooms. The current cafeteria and gym will give way to two parking lots.
While many of those who attended the graduation event last week felt nostalgic about their old school, they said it was time for the institution to be renewed.
Roshonda Glover and her husband Tederal Glover, who graduated from Hillview in the early 1990s, said the school occupies a special place in their hearts.
“Our three girls attended this school, two elders graduated, and our third daughter will graduate this year,” said Roshonda Glover on Friday at the event. “While I am sad to see that school leaves, I think it’s time for us to have an update school similar to other cities.”
For Tederal Glover, his best memory was to meet relatives who had never met before.
“I have never with them until I arrived at this school, and seeing everyone growing in adulthood was great,” Glover said.
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Betheny Jordan and Roshonda Glover attend an adult graduation dance in Hillview Jr. High School in Pittsburg, California, on Friday, April 11, 2025, where the cafeteria and the gym will soon be razed an important renewal of the campus. Both women have children who have attended Hillview and Glover are former students. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
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Betheny Jordan and Roshonda Glover attend an adult graduation dance in Hillview Jr. High School in Pittsburg, California, on Friday, April 11, 2025, where the cafeteria and the gym will soon be razed an important renewal of the campus. Both women have children who have attended Hillview and Glover are former students. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
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Janell White, 2002 class, said he has not returned to the head on the land of the school from graduation.
“Many memories I did that I knew I had, now it seems that he is returning to me,” White said. “I remember my classes and the people with whom I get to school.”
The mayor of Pittsburg, Jelani Killings, who graduated from Hillview in 2000, was excited to connect with classmates and discover that many members of the community also attended school.
“It is exciting to see the people that I knew who went to Hillview and sharing that camaraderie, that we all arrived at the same high school,” Killings said. “That really, in essence, is the pride of Pittsburg.”
Vicealcalde Dionne Adams remembered her days working in the dining room and participating in the choir.
“We had great teachers. I loved Homeroma and my teacher; he was the father of the class,” Adams said. “It’s exciting to be here.”
Homer Castillo said he remembers having hated gymnastics classes when he was a student.
“He gave me anxiety, and I felt a little today walking to the gym, but I am happy. It was a different moment,” he played.
Anita Márquez graduated from Hillview in 1969. He returned to work at school that provided the prevention of violence and anger management therapy for students before retiring in 2018.
His son now works as a teacher at school.
“Our continuous roots here in Pittsburg. It is sad to see the school building (original), but you have to do what you have to do.”
Kiana Ashley, coordinator of the Hillview community, said the students were notified to convert the recent winter school dance that would be the last time they would use the old gym and cafeteria.
“That caused an idea, and I thought, why not have a graduation dance for adults (to enjoy),” said Ashley. “The community is very strong here, and I know many teachers, students and their parents who went to this school.”
The school, with the help of community members, parents and personnel, organized the graduation dance quickly. Some suppliers also provide free services as a way to give back.
The director of Hillview, Heidi Leber, said that many people approached her and Ashley and thanked the school for giving them the opportunity to revive their memories.
“Many felt it was a closure for them,” Leber said. “Personally, we are ready for the new school, but this building is.”
Leber said about 500 people had sent their RSVP for graduation dance. Instead of buying graduation tickets, attendees were encouraged to donate hygiene products to support the community store that helps students in need.