FRUITPORT, Mich. — At Fruitport High School, the days left in the old building are numbered.
On December 21 demolition starts of the old high school. Students will move in to the new building. The new space is designed specifically to keep as many kids safe as possible during a potential mass shooting.
But Wednesday, graduates from the first class of Trojans in 1965 gathered to say goodbye.
“It’s sad to see that it’s coming down, but it’s exciting to see all the things are happening for our community and for our kids, that’s why we wanted to do it,” principal Lauren Chesney said.
No one's memories in these halls are quite as powerful as Mr. Zorn's.
“I just want to see some of the old building, and some of my old friends I taught with,” Mr. Zorn said.
For 33 years, he served as a high school counselor at Fruitport.
“I was a decent student, but I’d slack off, and he’d catch me at it and ask me why, and get me geared in the right direction,” former student, Fruitport class of '83, Bill Rieger said.
Mr. Zorn was there to set him straight.
Mr. Zorn was there for a different reason. In search of memories that may have lost their way.
“I like the kids. They were friendly. My kind of kids,” Zorn said.
Four years ago, Zorn was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Even so, it's still a place he remembers.
His old school, his former students, and his old office remind him of better times.
“It brings back memories, happy memories,” Zorn said.
Because after all, the memories will be missed. Just as much as the building that houses them.
