Did You Know? Preserving the RCTS Legacy

Did YouKnow?

Preserving the stories, history, and legacy of Randolph County Training School.

2026 RCTS Scholarship Recipient: Jakayla Tucker

Jakayla Tucker is among the eight recipients of the 2026 RCTS Scholarship. She graduated from Handley High School and will attend Jacksonville State University. She is the granddaughter of John Frank Houston.

John was a member of the 1970 RCTS class, the last class to graduate from Randolph County Training School. Since the scholarship fund was organized in 2005, John Frank has consistently supported the RCTS Scholarship Fund through his donations.

John and Jakayla are pictured standing beside the RCTS historic marker, which identifies the location where RCTS stood for 51 years, from 1919 to 1970, on Highway 431 in Roanoke, Alabama.

Fundraising has begun to support the 2027 RCTS Scholarships. Together, we continue to remember, grow stronger, and support our children.

John Frank Houston and Jakayla Tucker at the RCTS historic marker

Honoring Curtis Winston and RCTS Bulldogs Who Served

Several RCTS Bulldogs served in the military and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. They fought for rights and democracy that were not fully available to them at home.

Curtis Winston, a 1967 RCTS graduate, was among those who served. Curtis graduated in May 1967 and was killed 17 months later in Vietnam in November 1968.

His story reflects a powerful irony of that time. He served alongside White soldiers in combat, sharing the same duties and experiences, yet he could not attend school with them in Randolph County, Alabama.

Curtis attended Rock Mills Rosenwald School and later RCTS, a Rosenwald descendant school. He graduated from RCTS shortly after the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Curtis Winston RCTS graduate and military service tribute