A Last Walk Through Collinwood, The Final Graduating Class

For more than a century, Collinwood High School has stood as a cornerstone of its community, a place where generations of scholars learned, grew, and built lifelong connections.  

 The school, located at the corner of St. Clair and Ivanhoe, opened in 1924 and is preparing to close its doors as part of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District's Building Brighter Futures initiative. Alums returned for a meaningful moment: one final walk through the halls that shaped so many lives.  

 For alumni, the experience came with reflection and gratitude.  

"Many things are the same," said Margret Lafigliola, who was in the graduating class of 1967. "It's just fun to look in the room and see a blackboard and things like that."  

That sense of familiarity and pride spanned generations.  

 While the building, once home to up to 2,000 students, enters its final chapter, Collinwood’s impact lives on through its students, especially the last graduating class. 

 For Marceth, Collinwood's valedictorian, the school's lasting impact comes down to the people.  

  "The teachers helped me a lot," said Marceth, who plans to attend Cleveland State University in the fall. "They helped boost my morale, and they encouraged me so much."  

  Marceth said crossing the stage alongside 32 of his classmates made the moment even more meaningful.  

  "It feels amazing, seeing all my friends, all my peers, just everyone here together walking the stage," he said. "No matter what we've gone through, we've all finally made it to graduation day."  

 That resilience and pride stood at the center of the celebration held in the school's auditorium, one that honored both legacy and possibility.  

 CMSD CEO Dr. Warren Morgan reinforced that message, lifting the strength and promise of Collinwood scholars.  

"Who says good things don't come out of Collinwood?" He said during the commencement. "Amazing, bright, and brilliant people come out of Collinwood."  

 While the graduates begin their next chapter of attending college, enlisting in the military, or starting their careers, their now former classmates continue their educational journey at Glenville High School next school year, carrying forward the pride and spirit of being Railroaders.  

 Dr. Morgan encouraged them to embrace what comes next with confidence and purpose.  

  "I want you to go forward with confidence, embrace the unknown, take risks, learn continuously, lead with purpose, and most importantly, believe in yourself," he said. "Know how proud we are of you and show the world what Railroaders can do."