A chance to say a final goodbye in recognition of the closure of Langley Middle School is coming this Friday.

The community is bidding adieu to the cherished school with a farewell event from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, June 2. It will include a video created by South Whidbey Schools Foundation’ Laura Canby, a recognition of teachers and a short talk by former staff such as former principal Greg Willis. The program also includes tours around the campus, special presentations and stories by alumni, current and former staff and a classroom that will contain old artifacts. The South Whidbey Historical Society is providing items such as yearbooks from the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s and other eras.

Susie Richards, one of the event organizers, said it’s an opportunity to visit with old friends and share “wonderful” memories and stories that people have from the building and how it’s made a difference in their lives.

“It’s really important for the community to have an opportunity to say goodbye to Langley Middle School as a school,” Richards said.

The South Whidbey School Board voted to close the school in January to meet the consolidation needs of the South Whidbey School District. The closure saves the district $321,996 in net operating costs for the 2017-18 school year and helps the district meet a board policy that requires it to end with a positive fund balance of $998,000.

Though board directors and school officials have said the building will not be sold because of it’s sentimental value to the community, it will close its doors to students indefinitely. The district is currently in talks with several organizations on how to use the facility once it is closed. One possibility may include a research and archive center housed in the school’s library and run by the Island County and South Whidbey historical societies.

Canby’s video traces the school’s roots when it was known as Langley High School. She also conducted interviews with former and current students, teachers and administrators. Canby interviewed one alumni, Leon Josephson, class of 1951. Canby recognized a consistent vibe from her interviews.

“There’s a tremendous fondness for their time in school,” Canby said.

Langley Middle School principal Jim McNally said there will be a chance to fill a time capsule with school artifacts. People are invited to bring candid artifacts from the past that symbolize different eras and generations. McNally believes the most important aspect of the farewell is “just getting people to walk the walls, rekindle relationships and focus on some of the memories.” Organizers say they will honor both the present and the past of the school.

“We hope that people take the opportunity to spend a little time with us,” McNally said. “I don’t know when we’re going to have another opportunity to do something like this.”