The Piney Woods School Celebrates 116 Years of Legacy and Excellence at Founders Weekend 2025

The Piney Woods School recently hosted its 2025 Founders Weekend Celebration — a powerful gathering honoring 116 years of legacy, leadership, and love. Held on the school’s historic campus, the weekend brought together alumni, students, staff, and friends of Piney Woods to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and reimagine the future of this nationally treasured institution.

During the Founders Celebration program, the school recognized several distinguished honorees and inspiring speakers whose work embodies the core values of Love, Integrity, Faith, Excellence, and Empowerment.

• Oleta Garrett Fitzgerald – Head, Heart, and Hands Award

  Honored for her lifelong advocacy for children, families, and equitable education across the South.

  

• Lee Unger – Servant Leader Award

  Recognized for his steadfast commitment to leadership through service and his enduring impact within the Piney Woods community.

  
  

  

• The Schooler Family Foundation – Torchbearer Award

  Celebrated for their continued investment in education and their belief in the transformative power of opportunity.

  
  

  

  
  

The weekend also featured powerful addresses by keynote speakers and alumni who challenged and inspired attendees to continue the school’s mission of developing leaders who will shape a more just and compassionate world.

From heartfelt reflections to moments of joy and connection, Founders Weekend 2025 captured the spirit of The Piney Woods School — a place where history lives, hope thrives, and the future shines bright. As the school moves forward, it continues to honor the vision of its founder, Dr. Laurence C. Jones, by empowering generations of young scholars to lead with purpose and integrity.

We are also excited for the next stop on our Year-End Campaign — Giving Tuesday!

Join us in supporting “A Legacy of Braving Uncharted Territory”, as we continue building on 116 years of excellence and empowerment using the QR code.