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Collaborative effort seeks to archive historic images from Jones Middle School

June 10, 2022


This summer, Upper Arlington Schools, the Upper Arlington Education Foundation & Alumni Association, and the Upper Arlington Historical Society are collaborating on a project to archive historical images from Jones Middle School as it prepares to celebrate its 100th year in 2024. 


Framed images housed in the halls of Jones Middle School celebrate generations of alumni through graduating class composites and individual collages honoring distinguished alumni in what is known as the “Tradition Hall.” Given the age of some of these images and their frames, some are deteriorating or are in need of repair. 


Through this collaborative effort, these images will be removed from the walls this summer and digitally scanned with the assistance of the Columbus Library to preserve this important history for alumni and the community.


The Jones Tradition Hall was established in 1973 by a community member, working with the school principal and members of the PTO. It bears the motto “Students Today, Leaders Tomorrow.” Approximately 40 honorees were selected over three decades, in 1973, 1983 and 1993. Alumni with a wide range of professional experiences were celebrated in Tradition Hall — including business leaders, veterans, professional athletes and media professionals. 


The Upper Arlington Education Foundation & Alumni Association are reaching out to the alumni honored in Tradition Hall, or their surviving family members, so that they may receive the collage bearing that honoree’s name, accomplishments, photos and memorabilia. 


Following digital scanning at the Columbus Library, the Tradition Hall and graduating class composites will be archived by the Upper Arlington Public Library and made available to the public in the fall at www.uaarchives.org. The original graduating class composites will be kept in the Upper Arlington Historical Society’s archives in custom archival-quality boxes funded by the Jones PTO.


The Upper Arlington Education Foundation and Alumni Association are also considering additional ways to archive these images for the community. One option being considered is a digital kiosk located in Jones Middle School that can be viewed by students, staff members and community members.  A similar kiosk, funded through a UA+Ed grant, is located along Golden Bear Boulevard in Upper Arlington High School.


Individuals interested in making a donation to UA+Ed to support this and other projects may visit www.uaeducationfoundation.com