Saying goodbye to Harding

WARREN — The emotions inside Warren G. Harding High School were upbeat this evening as graduates who had spent some of the best days of their lives said their final farewells.

Abatement of hazardous materials such as asbestos will begin in mid-June followed by the wrecking ball to bring down Harding, except for the historic facade, that has been graduating students since 1926.

In the fall, students will turn a new chapter in the city school system as they attend a new Harding adjacent to the old building.

Before the 15th annual awards banquet for induction into the school’s Alumni Hall of Fame, many had the chance to walk through the historic building for the last time as 100 current students gave tours, sang and provided music.

One of the graduates, 90-year-old Olga Chaley Morrison of Austintown, hadn’t seen the school interior for 70 years. “I had to go,” she said of her visit.

For the complete story, see Sunday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.