Today marks the end of the school year for most Pittsburgh Public Schools, and perhaps the last day ever for Schenley High School in Oakland. The fate of the 92-year-old school building may be decided at a June 25 school board meeting. [ Read story ]

We asked readers to share their memories of Schenley High. Below are the responses.

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I never went to Schenley , I grew up in a tiny town in northern Pa with 78 in my graduating class all the same religion, same skin color, same culture. When it was time for my twin daughters to go to high school I was a little overwhelmed with the building and the PAT bus they were young and I was afraid they would get lost in the crowd. They did not get lost and what the learned was more than what was in books. Schenley's culture was wonderful they learned tolerance, understanding and respect. They were apart of the "MAGIC" of the musical which gave them an opportunity to work with all kinds of people from all different neighborhoods and all backgrounds. They learned more about life and how to live than grades show.

They are now in college in Edinboro a place like where I grew up where more people are alike and differences are sometimes not tolerated, becuasue of the experience they had at Schenley they are prepared for it. They stand up for equality and tolerance and make their small corner of the world a better place. I am deeply saddened that my son who will be a freshman will not have the same experiences. I think of what a better world it would be if that microcosm that is Schenley could be spread through out the world.

Joan Bova NorthSide Pittsburgh Mom of Brittany and Megan Bova Schenley
High school class of 2006

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I AM 'OF SCHENLEY'

I only attended during the summer, but the experience was overwhelming. I met and became friends with a student from the Hill. We spent more time laughing and carrying on than paying attention to the school work. Fortunately, we had a very special teacher, Mrs. Peeler, who by looking the other way, probably advanced the cause of Civil Rights as much as Rosa Parks did. She recognized the importance of a kid from Squirrel Hill and a kid from The Hill getting along notwithstanding their differences. I doubt this could have occurred at a school with a less diverse student body.

I think it would be a disgrace to eliminate Schenley, and destroy the history, culture and opportunity to learn what's really important in life. That is to get along with one another.

While my time at Schenley was limited, I can say with pride that I am 'Of Schenley'.

Simon Noel, Esq., Omaha, NE

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A graduate of the June 1943 Class,I am saddened to find out that Schenley High is closing.The teahers were good of motivating Students for better things inlife.While I was in the Airforce in WW2, the Principal made a call to my parents asking that I go to college on my return.I went to Pitt Pharmacy School nd graduaated with a BS in 1951.I left Pittsburgh in 1959 and moved to Indian where I now live.

John H. Moore, Jr, East Chicago, IN

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I was in the graduating class of June 1962. The students who went to Schenley and those in the 1962 graduation class were all very special. We came together from many walks of life with the same goal which was to work for an education, graduate and prepare us for the next step in our young life. We worked together and studied together. We formed a special bond that can never be taken from us. For all the students that ever attended Schenley, loosing our school will be our loss but we have very fond memories that will live with us forever.

Ken Welsch - Oscoda, Michigan

My personal path leading to Schenley was not cut and dry.

I started at prestigious Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School. Being 1st generation American Italian, it was very important in my family to get an education and make something out of my life. Central Catholic just didn't work for me. When I transferred to Schenley to start my Sophomore year, I was greeted with a teaching staff that truly didn't outwardly care about the history of the school (and Schenley has a well-recorded one) but rather the future of their students.

It was through this system and connection that I gained a passion for and still continue today my love for the Graphic Arts.

I am proud to say that I am a member of the last championship baseball team Schenley fielded (we broke a 40 year drought in 1992). You wouldn't have been able to read about it since the Post-Gazette and Pittsburgh Press were on strike that spring.

Thank-you Coach Q and Coach Mozer. You taught us what true teamwork and sacrifice was/is all about.

The building itself had such a presence sitting there on the divide between the Hill District and Oakland. The cultural diversity of the school was more than an education. Through the student body, I learned world and life lessons that I still reference today in management. To close the school is not just a sad day for the Pittsburgh Public School system. It is a sad day for the City of Pittsburgh. It was (is) one of the top educational institutions I have ever known.

Farewell Schenley High. "Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve"

Alan Sciulli, Then: Oakland Now: Fairfax, VA

Graduated Schenley High: 1992

Today: Vice President, Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide

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Gee, I better write this before it is too late. I will be 95 next month. My years in Schenley were from 1928 to 1932. I have lived in PA., N.Y., FL.,and TX, but still like to check the Pittsburgh news. It would be interesting to know if and how many may be around from that time.

The Principal, Edward Sauvain, would tell this story about his mother. Without any lights on she would got to bed and read. --- She was blind and read braille.

I would vote to save Schenley. I believe it was the first million dollar high school in the country.

Walter Dassdorf, Webster TX

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My mother was a graduate of Schenley HIgh School, class of 1940. Although she lived in Florida for the past 25 years, we always had to drive by Schenley HIgh during our frequent visits to "the burg". We have read all the articles and kept up with information concerning the closure. Mom passed away this past December but she sure would have been sad to see that the end for Schenley had finally arrived.

Mary McGregor Lee, Crestview, Florida

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Joseph Kania, Pittsburgh, PA
2006 Graduate of Schenley High
2008 Graduate of Pittsburgh Technical
Associate Degree in Science
Employed by Chester Engineers

I am very happy to say that I am a graduate from Schenley High School. Schenley has made me who I am today. I started my high school years at Langley High, then transferred into Schenley my sophomore year, which was by far thee best choice I made through out my life. There are too many memories to explain in words, some many of those who went to Schenley can vouch for and some of them from a personal stand point.

I have a younger brother in the graduating class of 09, who unfortunately cannot experience the whole 4 years at Schenley. There are teachers that inspired me to be the person I am, Mr. Hughes (CAD Instructor who guided me with every effort, to peruse the career that I am in today and who had taught me not to cut my self short and to always push forward) Coach Bob Quarles (A father figure to me as well as thee BEST baseball coach in the state of Pennsylvania), Mr. Ehman and many more. There is also one gentleman who inspired many people and who had made the Schenley plays as fascinating as they were, Mr. Rodge "Mr. B" Babusci Jr. I was not fortunate enough to have him as a teacher yet had taught me a lot about life, he will always be in our hearts.

ENTER TO LEARN, GO FORTH TO SERVE

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As a 1962 Graduate that arrived in September 1959 from Herron Hill, the environment provided many students the opportunity to be exposed to people of different races and ethnicity to relate to other than the authority figures of the teacher/administrators. The education afforded to me has been well established in my encounters with individuals I have met from other parts of the country and the world.

I remember taking Kenny Durrett and the fellows to Point Park College to Scrimmage that team completed a Double-double, they not only won the state basketball championship, but they completely manhandled the eventual state junior college champs.

Similar to the Marines: "Once a Spartan always a Spartan"

Hubert Wilson, Covina, California, Class of 1962

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I want to bid farewell to an institution that did so much for me throughout my life. Schenley High and its wonderful teachers like Mr. Vitti and Mrs. Horne helped fortify the hopes and dreams of me as a young man. The school and its faculty in many ways, aimed me towards the stars and shot me to heights that I never would have realized without their help. Tears of sadness fill my eyes as I write this passage. I am sure that the thousands of inspired graduates of the school feel as I do as we all share in this regrettable moment. I bid you adieu dear friend, you will always be remembered in our hearts.

Sincerely,

Jim Thein, Pittsburgh, PA

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I never thought I could feel sad about a building closing, but Schenley High school was more than that. I have a long list of family members including my great great grandmother who graduated from Schenley.

Yea, it was terrible walking to school, especially in the winter, but those four years of my life is where I changed from a boy to a man.

Because of Schenley my entire perspective on life changed and that's one of the reasons why I'm a contributing member of society. I hope it's not the end of the road for that building, but if it is:

Alma Mater, God preserve thee
Dear Schenley High!
Through the years , we long to serve thee
Dear Schenley High!
We revere the spirit caught there
Reverent minds that lived and thought there
Mem'ries of our Alma mater
Dear Schenley High!

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Regards,

Kunta Fossett, West View, PA, class of 96'

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Today is a very sad day for not only me and all the current and former students of Schenley but also for the City of Pittsburgh. I find the words hard to come by to properly give tribute to such a wonderful school. I had the privilege of attending Schenley and look back on those 4 years as some of the greatest in my life. From all of the sports accomplishments to the Arts and IB program to the great teachers like Mr. Vitti, Mr. Vause, Mrs.. Horne etc ... that I had the honor to have been taught by. Schenley was not just a place for learning Math and English but a place for learning about life and diversity. A place that showed us that even though we may be from different back rounds or races we are all just people looking to succeed in our chosen endeavors. I challenge the school board to see what will be lost if Schenley is aloud to close it's doors for good and too see what Mr.. Roosevelt could not, that Schenley is more than a high school to this city but a place of history that few people get to expierence at such a young age and that it should be saved at no matter what the cost. And if Schenley is to close the name should go with it because it would be a discredit to the school and those that came before to call another school at another site Schenley High. I'll end this by saying Good Bye to the school I loved, to the school I grew from a child to an adult in, to say Good Bye to Schenley High School......You will be missed.

Chris Spera, Pittsburgh, PA

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Nathaniel E. Williams - (A.K.A.) Katan Shackelford

Relocated to: Cleveland, Ohio

Employer: Department of Defense Finance & Accounting Lockheed Martin Information Technology

Attended Schenley: 1982 to 1984

I am a proud former Student of Schenley High School. I completed my 9th and 10th grade years there. At the time of my attending Schenley High, along with it's gothic halls, loud bells, and Achieved history, we had the greatest Principal that a High School could have, and that was the Late Dr. John R. Young.

He was a Principal, father, Advisor, and friend, and he put Schenley on the map.

I lived in the Hill district which was at that time predominately black, and Schenley High was our home away from home.

With sports, clubs, activities etc. Schenley was the school to go to.

Sitting in the Middle of the Bustling Oakland community, and part of the Academic community of the University of Pittsburgh, Schenley will be missed.....

Please look at the other schools that are low performing and dwindling student bodies and consider closing them and re-routing students.

With all the people that support Schenley around the world, 1 million dollars and more would not be a problem to raise.

Alamater God preserve thee, Dear Schenley High.
Through the years we long to sever thee, Dear Schenley High.
We revere the spirit taught here, reference minds that lived and thought here.
Memories of our almamater, Dear Schenley High.

That song means a lot to thousands of us who live throughout the world, that song got us through the thick and thin.

God, Please Bless Schenley High............

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I am a 1967 graduate of Schenley High School and proud to say so. The friendships I made over 40 years ago are still in tact; we just had our 40th year Reunion where over 100 grads attended. Even though the building was being repaired, I was able to have filmed a short video for the reunion that my classmates will have to remember.

When Schenley won the 1966 Basketball Championship the school was in a state of true jubilation! The administration at that time knew they had to do something to contain our enthusiasm yet not squash it either, so they "closed" the school down for the day. We had movies of previous games in the library; music in the gym; open classrooms and cafeteria to just sit and talk with the players all being a part of this massive celebration. Students were not allowed to leave the building but didn't have to attend any classes for that one day. I remember the halls being so packed and everyone just screaming, "Schenley's in an up-roar, hoop-hoop" over and over again! Even the toughest of teachers had to smile!

Who can ever forget names like Kenny Durrett; (Edward) Petey Gibson, Montel Brundage, Willie Clay, Jimmie Prince and the excitement they brought to the city league?

The motto at the top of the school's auditorium reads: ENTER TO LEARN, GO FORTH TO SERVE

So many of us did just that, including me. I just recently retired after 35 years of service with the Pittsburgh Public Schools and it's with great pride and humility that I say I'm a graduate of Schenley.

The building may close but no one will ever take away the memories that the triangular walls hold.

Classmates.com is filled with Schenley grads and comments.

Donna (Fox) Vlassich, Allison Park, PA

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I am a proud and now saddened 1990 graduate of Schenley High School.

My experience at Schenley was inspiring and formative in wonderful ways.

Schenley is a proud flagship for the Pittsburgh Public Schools, one that should not be destroyed in the name of reform. The Pittsburgh Public Schools, so in need of good news and good stories, is foolishly shutting down one of its best and brightest stars.

The school board and Mr. Roosevelt are in terrible error to believe there is wisdom in closing Schenley High School.

Thank you Schenley!

Tom Link, Pittsburgh, PA

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I am a proud 1992 graduate of Schenley High School. During my time there I met kids from all over the city and our backyard was Oakland, the cultural and educational heart of the city. Walking into Schenley one could sense the importance of education. Schenley was the first school in the nation to cost over $1 million. It was deemed then to be worth the investment. Thank you to the teachers and students who touched my life then and who continue to touch it today. We will carry on the legacy of "enter to learn, go forth to serve."

Kelly Mednis, Pittsburgh, PA

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I am currently a senior at Schenley High School and part of the last graduating class. Most of the school was very upset during the year when Mr. Roosevelt said that it would be closing at the end of the year and moving to reizenstein. I have so many great memories of schenley it is so hard to describe them all. There is so much culture there and so many different kinds of people. I am now realizing that the last time i will ever be in Schenley is this thursday, when we have our graduation practice. At graduation, it will be one of the most happiest times, because i made it. Then on the other hand it will be sad because we are the last real graduating class of Schenley High School.

From the moment i walked into those big brown doors at orentation, i was amazed. I was only 13 going into high school but i was so shocked. I loved how old the building looked and when i think back on how it looked to me when i first saw it in 9th grade so unfamiliar. Now as i look at it, i know where every room is, what teacher is in there and what they teach. I know Schenley High School like the back of my hand. I have been in rooms below the school, the storage rooms, running errands for teachers. So i have probably been in more places in that school than most kids who go or went there.

Every day in that school is a new advanture. You think "okay what am i going to learn or do today?" I really love that school and i will miss it next year. I will never be able to go back and visit in that school like last years graduates and so many before them did. I will now have to go to reizenstein. I am a reizenstein graduate myself, class of 2004 but it will not be the same as going back to visit Schenley.

In the end, when that last person has to turn out the lights of the school forever, it will be a sad, sad day. I will miss Schenley and it will always be in my heart!

Vikki Moser, class of 2008 last graduating class, Pittsburgh PA

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I have wonderful memories of my time at Schenley High School in the 70's. It was a time of transition in the world, with women wearing slacks at publc functions for the first time, afros, the Vietnam War, and a state championship basketball team. The building is stately and seemed to bring respect from the students it housed.

It is a terrible loss to the City of Pittsburgh and more consideration should be given to keeping an institution that brought forward council representatives, artists, sports figures, and more. The moto of the school was ever ingrained "ENTER TO LEARN, GO FORTH TO SERVE". I hope our representatives take this moto to heart and vote to refurish not just a building but a school that is dear to many people.

Dolores Hanna, Pittsburgh, PA

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I have very fawn memories of Schenley High School. I left Schenley in 1974, joined the military and now live and work in the Metro DC area. I remember entering Schenley from Herron Hill Jr high school, what a transition.Schenley was not just a high school, it was more of a life expirence.There is no doubt in my mind that my experiences there help shape the way for my suggest both during my military career (retired after 25 tears of service) and my current career ( federal government).

I will always have a special place in my hart for (SCHENLEY), so long and farewell.

Joseph M. Winbush Jr., Falls Church, VA

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In life you take for granted certain things you have the privilege to experience.

Time spent with your parents or friends, the opportunity to enjoy trips to worldly locations or the simple pleasure of sipping coffee at a sidewalk cafe watching people and their lives.

As I 1996 Schenley High School graduate, I never once took for granted my four years at the Oakland school.

I can remember vividly, my transition from middle school to high school came with much anxiety. However, upon visiting the massive, White House-like building for orientation, all my fears and worries slowly disappeared. I didn't realize it at the time but as I walked through the oversized wooden front doors, I was immediately and without choice, surrounded by a unique environment that produced some of the greatest minds and talents.

This wasn't just any normal high school, this was Schenley High.

Each year, our return to the school brought a new excitement, by students and teachers, who knew that school year would bring something special, let it be another city basketball championship, a award winning musical performance or amazing feats by the always inspiring students.

And now, on the eve of disbanding one of the city's greatest school, I still never pass up the chance to tell the stories from the years spent roaming the high ceiling hallways of Schenley and giving just a small insight to outsiders what it was like to learn not only the important lessons in the classrooms but the invaluable knowledge of the city streets.

And to that I say thank you Schenley High School.

Never a time will pass, when someone inquires about my background, I will always, with the utmost pride and confidence, say without hesitation, "I went to Schenley, you know the big building off of Bigelow and Center ... I enjoyed every moment of time ... let me tell you about the time when... "

Much love to Schenley.

Matt Mauclair, Pittsburgh

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I graduated from this school in 1965 and had many good times, I had met a girl named Barbara Dick in the 3rd grade at Arsenal and then moved away. I remet her in my homeroom class when I moved to the orphanage and went to Schenley in my 11th grade. i really enjoyed my time there goodbye Schenley

Sandy McFadden Winowitch, Ellenton Florida

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I graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School in 1975, but my father, William Shaffer, graduated from Schenley in 1946. He was always fond of his Schenley days and the diversity of the Oakland area and the school. He played in the band along with a man named George Witkovich who was to be my principal at Colfax Elementary School in Squirrel Hill.

One day, my father showed me a hardbound 1946, I believe, Schenley High School yearbook and pointed out a student in a picture labeled A. Warhola -- Andy Warhol. The yearbook had a charcoal self-portrait made by Andy. At the time, the early 1970s, I never thought much of Andy's works until I saw that self-portrait. The 16-year-old Warhol drew himself clearly sneering at the viewer. That was the most fascinating self-portrait I had ever seen for a 16-year-old. The emotion was and loathing was evident in the work. I wish I had that 1946 hardbound yearbook; I only have the soft bound 1946 summer edition.

My father passed away of Lou Gehrig's disease in 1997 in Pacifica, Calif., but he always longed for the simpler days and times spent at Schenley during the end of the Second World War.

Matthew Shaffer, Mesa, Ariz., Taylor Allderdice Class of 1975

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I am in the midst of relocating to the D.C. metro area to begin my life in the "real world." but if it were not Schenley High School, I do not think I would be where I am today.

I graduated from Schenley High School in June 2004 from the International Studies Program and was an International Baccalaureate Degree candidate. As a student, I was involved various activities that have broaden my appreciation and educational experiences. I was vice president of my class, business manager and cast member of the Schenley musical, member of the varsity tennis, softball and cheerleading teams. I had studied Spanish since kindergarten at Liberty Elementary, and progressed to Frick and Schenley to complete my 13 years of Spanish training. Because of this strong backing of Spanish, I was one of the few selected in a highly selective Study Abroad Program in Sevilla, Spain.

Schenley was not all about the academics, but about the people. Schenley was known for having three schools in one (technology program, international studies, and area home school/Spartan Classics). But it was the cross between so many socioeconomic groups of students across the city that made it unique. The extracurricular activities and the dedication of the teachers and staff encouraged discussions and understanding between people that I had not had a chance to experience on the university level. It didn't matter what part of the city you were from, or how much money your parents had, We were all Spartans. A kid from Squirrel Hill and a kid from the Hill District had no problem discussing the current music trend or events. And these groups of people could on have come together in the central Oakland building, that was the first million-dollar school in the country.

There were so many memories in Schenley: from Schenley parties, my first kiss, my first musical debut, Gene Kelly Awards, my first date, homecomings, Schenley football games at South Stadium, Schenley prom lineups, my first love, giving the morning announcements over the PA System, Schenley basketball games, the annual girls junior vs. senior powder puff game, Schenley soccer games, pep rallies, prom, driving to school for the first time, catching the bus home in Oakland and flirting with the Central Catholic guys.

Closing Schenley will close so many traditions and opportunities that can never be replaced.

Kristin Hayes, 2008 graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, Md.

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I graduated Schenley High School in February, 1953. I'm 73, yet in some ways, 55 years ago doesn't seem that long ago when you can recall the cultural stage you walked on ... If Schenley, the building, has to go away, can't there be a new school named Schenley High School sometime in the future? Why not a rebirth of the same feeling in a new place. I spent more than 40 years as an advertising executive before I retired. To me, Schenley is Oakland and Oakland is Schenley.

Herb Adelman, Pittsburgh