Morganton High School - Cats Tale Yearbook (Morganton, NC)

Page 8 text:

A BRIEF HISTORY OF M.H.S. For almost three-quarters of a century, Morganton High School has met the educational needs of the young people of the town and a large number of the youth of Burke County. Any historical account of this area to be complete must include a record of the growth and development of the school and its cur- riculum. Outstanding people in the areas of administration and teaching must be recognized, and their far-reaching influence upon students has been evidenced in the significant contributions of Morganton High’s graduates to the community, state, and nation. The story began in 1904. The idea of a Morganton City School was conceived, and became reality in 1905. In its earliest stages, the school was housed at the old Céntral School building. There was no prin- cipal, students attended from all of Burke County, the school year lasted six months, and the first through the ninth grades comprised the student body. As a result of a growing student population and educa- tional demands, the upper wing, facing Meeting Street, was built in 1919. By 1922, the school had outgrown the building it was contained in. For five years Morganton City School occupied the old Grammar School building as well. R.L. Patton became principal at this school in the early twenties, one of Morganton’s first principals. Under the direction of Dr. Ralph Kibler, who was school board chairman at the time, the present Mor- ganton High School was constructed. A city and county bond issue appropriated funds for the school. In 1927, the doors of Morganton High School opened. At this time, planners felt that the school was located in a rural area, too far removed from the center of town. Because of costs, the school operated on a six months schedule until 1933. The school educated grades eight through eleven. Further physical expan- sion came in 1942 with the addition of the gymnasium and the south annex. In 1941, the twelfth grade was Offered on an optional basis. Major educational growth of Morganton High School started in 1949. Students attended only from the Morganton and Chesterfield areas. Course offerings up until this time were limited and scheduling was confusing. Several courses were abolished also. ‘Day trades’’ was on ce taught as a vocational course for boys, elementary psychology was taught, and Bible was taught by a teacher who was paid by the minis- terial association. Agriculture was taught until 1948. However, only two history courses, three science courses, four math courses, and basic English courses were offered. The curriculum was widely expanded in the early fifties. Morganton Junior High School, which deleted the eighth grade from the high school, also opened in 1949. The first true vocational course other than Home Economics, I.C.T., was begun by a Mr. Wise. Dan Robinson introduced Geography into the curriculum. Band became a credited course for study in 1950. Also, in 1952, administrative personnel moved their offices to Morganton High School. In 1954, the first Junior-Senior prom was held. The sixties brought still more progressive educational attitudes. Black students were allowed to attend Morganton High School as early as 1962. Then, in 1965, Maston Parham, J.O. Barbour, and Frank Patton started the process of total intergration. Morganton High School and Olive Hill High School merged; the former Olive Hill High School became a school for ninth grade only. Also, the first guidance counselor became a member of the faculty in 1961. Not until 1962 was Morganton High School attended only by Morganton city residents. Throughout the years, the foresight of the administration brought about these beneficial changes. There important men included superintendents Craven Starnes, William Hamilton, and Maston Parham; principals Dr. E.O. Randolph, Paul Hutchins, Joe Gardner, Otis Petersen, Brenizer L. Price, and F.C. Schiebout.

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ALMA MATER From the mountains to the sea Rings a sound that’s dear to me, Waking, sleeping, still | hear “Alma Mater’ dear. No matter where | choose to roam, You will always be my home. Singing praises to the sky For dear old Morganton High. This page is dedicated to Mr. M. Thomas Cousins (1914-1972), the composer of the alma mater. He was band director at Morganton High School from 1949-1957. He received an artist diploma from Juilliard School of Music and a Bandmasters Certificate from the U.S. Army Music School. He left a legacy of love for music with all who know his work.

Page 9 text:

The legends of Morganton High School continue, its memories are held fondly by many, and its educa- tional values remain as high standards. In the final year of the school’s existence, its fine reputation and achievements can only be proudly remembered. The Cat’s Tale staff would like to make a special dedication to Mr. Maston S. Parham. He worked in an administrative capacity for Morganton city schools from 1949-1967. He made numerous advances toward the modernization of Morganton’s educational system.