Paris High School - Owl Yearbook (Paris, TX)

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Years ago, one hundred to be exact, the Paris Public Schools came into being, September 15, 1884, is a date set in history. On this day the youth of Paris were guaranteed the right to attend public schools. Through hard work and dedicated service, past educators spent hours, days, and years to lay the foundation of our present system. Our school system now houses 4,289 students on six campuses. In 1884 Aikin Institute, Graham School, and Gibbons High School comprised our school system. Our first superintendent over these schools was J. C. Brooks. There are memories of schools which have come and gone over the past 100 years — J. G. Wooten School, First Ward School, Fourth Ward School, Baldwin Elementary, Rosa Pearson School, Cedar Hill Elementary, and Bankhead Elementary. East Paris, First Ward, and Fourth Ward consolidated to form A. M. Aikin Elementary School in 1980. Rosa Pearson and Graham School were consolidated to form Justiss Elementary which opened in January of 1969. Baldwin was closed through in- tegration and absorbed by Justiss in 1970. In its 100 year history this district has been served by 10 superintendents, the current one being Elaine Ballard. Paris High School now has almost 1300 students. There have been four high schools preceeding this one. Aikin Institute, a 2-story brick building, became Aikin High School. Aikin High School then changed to Paris High School. This building became too small and had to be demolished. The next two schools, built in 1906 and 1909 were both destroyed by fire. The next high school was built in 1917. Dee Cunningham became principal in 1950. He held this of- fice for 24 years. That is the longest any man has served as prin- cipal of Paris High. Paris High was relocated at 2400 Jefferson Road. Not only is 1984 an anniversary for the school system, it is also the 10th anniversary of this school. Our school consists of a large auditorium and lunch room facilities with central air and heat. Before, the high schools had no lunch room, and no air condition- ing. The first year this school was open to students, J. C. Coker was principal, followed by Jerry Stephens. In May 1985, 276 Seniors will receive diplomas from the present principal, Paul Trull. Opening 3

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100 YEARS OF EDUCATION Mrs. Rebecca McMichael ' s third graders at Aikin Elementary prepare for their future responsibilities. These students in 1956 are told to keep their eyes on the book. Learning to type is a goal of many students. Electric typewriters have replaced these old manuals. 2 Opening

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CENTENNIAL CEREMONIES Nineteen eighty-four — a year to celebrate the 100th birthday of Paris Public Schools. On Saturday, September 15, 1984, teachers, administrators, friends, and students gathered at 2 o-clock at the First United Methodist Church. Teachers who had served our school system for more than twenty-five years were recognized. Mr. Ross Alsup, chairman of the Board of Regents at Paris Junior College presented a resolution to Mr. John Wright, current President of the School Board. The afternoon ceremonies concluded with the unveiling of the historical marker placed on the new Liberty National Bank property, the site of Paris High from the 1850s to the mid 1970 ' s. Mr. Dee Cunningham and Mr. Philip Cecil have lust unveiled the historical marker located on the corner of .W Lamar Avenue. 4 Opening