ABOUT CTS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
The Councill Training School (CTS) Alumni Association is a non-profit organization formed for the purpose of bringing together collectively all former graduates and attendees of Councill Training School, Normal Alabama during its existence. The decision to establish the association as a non-profit entity was made by members of the CTS Reunion Planning Committee in 2016 to assist Alabama A&M University in renovating the old CTS school building for housing of the Dr. Virginia Caples Life Long Learning Institute (VCLLI). Councillites thought this was a great way to keep the historical building standing to remain as the legacy of the first officially recognized high school established for African American students in Madison County.
GRADUATING CLASSES
Councill Training School was developed in 1948 for the education of Black Students in Madison County Alabama. Since its inception, over 3,500 students have attended and/or graduated from our school. After the closure of the school in 1970, Alabama A & M University continued to use the facility for educational purposes. The historic attributes and character of the building have largely been maintained since its’ closure as an elementary to high school facility.
ALMA MATER
Councill Training School we love you;
Glory to thy name
Loyalty and Virtue ever;
Shall maintain thy fame.
Dignity, Loyalty shall keep you;
Matchless as a gem
We pledge to keep you ever shining;
In nature’s Di A Dem!
Class Reunion Registration
We’re still at it! Yes, our last class reunion was a blast and the organizing committee is pulling out all the stops for our next get together. Do you enjoy reminiscing, ding, dancing and guessing who’s who? Have we got a deal for you! It’s time to register for the 2025 Councill Training School ALL School Reunion.
We hope to turn back the clock and recapture some of the magic of those high school days when we meet August 30, 2025
The cost, for the reunion is $75 per person for each person attending, this amount will take care of all activities that are being planned.
Please download the registration form below and mail to:
Councill Training School Reunion
Post Office Box 3441
Huntsville, AL 35810
or complete the form to the left.
Have a spouse or guest to attend with you this year?
Complete the Guest registration from here.
The Future of Councill Training School
Upcoming Events
MEMORANDUM
April 20, 2023
To: Councill Training School Alumni
FROM: Elbert Drake, President
Councill Training School Alumni Association
SUBJECT: UPDATE – Councill Training School Facility
Our beloved Councill Training School facility was constructed in 1948 and was used as an academic facility for students in grades one through twelve until 1970. At that time title to the facility reverted to Alabama A and M University (AAMU) which continued to use it for ROTC and other endeavors until 2017.
In 2017, as part of a continuous effort to preserve the CTS facility for historic and educational purposes, the last administration of the CTS Alumni Association entered into a three-year agreement (Memorandum of Understanding) with AAMU to assist in fundraising to convert the CTS facility into the Virginia Caples Adult Learning Center. Our part was to raise one million dollars and AAMU was to raise approximately seven million. We were not successful and could not renegotiate an extension. AAMU has competing needs for the space to be used as a 20th century leading edge academic facility.
AAMU is interested in preserving some of the heritage of the CTS facility but saving the CTS facility appears to be beyond our grasp. Dr. Wims, President of AAMU, and staff, have met with us and is interested in moving forward with a new academic facility on the CTS facility property and has discussed some memorial options with us – ongoing negotiation. The AAMU Trustee Board is planning to address the issue at its next meeting, June 2023.
Although, we could not save Councill Training School facility. CTSAA will continue our fundraising efforts for Councill Training School Memorial and Museum. We are very grateful for the financial assistance already provided by the CTS Alumni, Community, and friends. Collectively, our fundraising efforts are $146,065.08 with the following breakdown: CTSAA Savings $16.649.58, VCLLI $116,348.00, Councillites $13,067.50 (VCLLI totals $129,415.50). These funds can be used to defray the expenses of the memorial and museum. We will need your support with artifacts, design, and memorabilia.
For your information and guidance,
Elbert Drake,
President, CTSAA