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Orangeburg Today
By the People, for the People
Orangeburg County school marks construction milestone
New elementary school site was once home to segregated Wilkinson High School
Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:35am
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A community celebration marks the construction milestone of a new elementary school built on the site of a historic African American high school.Orangeburg TodayThe Orangeburg County School District held a beam signing ceremony to mark a construction milestone for the new Robert E. Howard Elementary School. The site was previously home to Wilkinson High School, an African American school that served students during segregation. District leaders say the ceremony symbolizes unity, pride, and a shared legacy, while also honoring the history of the site.
Why it matters
The new elementary school is being built on the site of the former Wilkinson High School, an important part of Orangeburg's segregated history. The beam signing ceremony allows the community to commemorate the past while looking towards the future of education in the area.
The details
A ceremonial beam was placed in the new Robert E. Howard Elementary School, which is currently under construction. Alumni, current and former staff, and community members were invited to sign the beam, paying tribute to the school's past and future. Nearly a year ago, alumni of the historic Orangeburg High School took a final walk before that building was demolished.
- The beam signing ceremony took place on April 17, 2026.
- The former Wilkinson High School was demolished nearly a year ago.
The players
Orangeburg County School District
The public school district serving Orangeburg County, South Carolina.
Robert E. Howard Elementary School
The new elementary school being constructed on the site of the former Wilkinson High School.
Wilkinson High School
An African American high school that served students in Orangeburg during segregation, before the site was selected for the new elementary school.
The takeaway
The beam signing ceremony at the new Robert E. Howard Elementary School site represents an important moment of transition, as the community commemorates the history of segregation at Wilkinson High School while looking forward to the future of education in Orangeburg.
