New London — The spirit of the historic Bulkeley School still lives after 149 years. Seventy-one years after closing, its spirit will once again be celebrated by the “Bulkeley Boys” at their annual reunion on Aug. 5 at Langley’s Restaurant, 28 Lamphere Road in Waterford.

Although the school closed in 1951, its former students have been attending reunions for the last 55 years. They originally were organized by the late Harold Arkava, Class of 1944, who founded the Bulkeley Alumni-Harold Arkava Scholarship Fund, now administered by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.

The school, which opened in 1873, served New London and students from surrounding towns that did not have their own high schools. It maintained a preparatory-like reputation for producing star athletes and students and achieved fame for winning a New England basketball championship in 1951. The 1 Bulkeley Place campus now serves as the home of the Regional Multicultural Magnet School.

The reunion this year is honoring Tony Lalima, Class of 1949, for carrying on the Bulkeley tradition and providing leadership for 54 years, according to a news release. Jackie Law from the community foundation also will be recognized.

Bulkeley Boys wishing to attend may contact Bob Kozek, Class of 1951, at (860) 460-3997 or (860) 443-8656.