Perry Lower Tyrone High School - Petosean Yearbook (Perryopolis, PA)

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Perry Township High School- - 1906 err? ownaAip .NIM .S9cAoo! ln 1904 Perry Township High School was established. Classes were held in Carson's Hall, the building adjacent to the present Post Office Building. The first principal was Mr. Christner and the Board of directors was: Dr. J. I... Cochran, Charles B. Elwell, Obediah Hough, J. W. Townsend, Joseph Harper, and William J, Bowers. The first graduating class in 1906 consisted of twelve students. The need for a high school building was fully realized by the directors. Construction of this building began in 1906. On August 31, 1907, it was dedicated, with the placing of the cornerstone in the southwest corner of the building. J. Buell Snyder became the first principal in this building. During the early years of the school, the Philo and the Thesian LiterarySocietieswere organized and a library was started. ln 1909 Mr. Snyder established the three-year course of study for his students and also directed an athletic program. At that time the school was rated in the top ranks of the 3-year high schools in the state. In 1918, the new four-year course and a commercial department were started. ln the music and speech departments, students' talents were developed, and as aresult, Perry Township High School placed a number of winners in the Forensic and Music contests, then held in the county and the state. Mr. Snyder left in 1911. The aftermath ofthe First World War did not weaken the spirit of the students. Through their work football was restored in the school. In a few years, the athletic teams were being recognized as championship teams. J. V. Ridenour preceded Earle E. Curtis as principal, Mr. Curtis being principal from 1930 to 1948. During Mr. Curtis's administration the school continued to grow. The Home Economics Department was introduced in 1935-36 and in 1939, the Industrial Arts Department started. A school nurse was employed. Many honors came to the school in sports, music, orations, debates, and dramatics. Each year additional courses were being offered and more teachers were needed. In the late 1930's, there were 12 teachers on the staff as compared to 3 in the beginning of the school. In 1940 60 students graduated from Perry. In 1942 Perry's largest class up to that time, 75 students, graduated. 1831 students have now graduated from this high school. In 1946 was the re-opening of the Commercial Depart- ment. ln 1948 the Home Economics Department moved into its finely equipped quarters. Robert S. White followed Mr. Curtis as principal and now is holding that position. During his term of office, Drivers Training and Vocational Agriculture have been added to the curriculum. The school has become a junior-senior high school. In 1951 Lower Tyrone Township joined with ours, and today the school is called the Perry-Lower Tyrone High School. At present there are 618 students. Twenty-five teachers comprise the faculty. Today our school offers academic, commercial, general, and vocational agriculture courses. Many activities are a part of the student's school life, as sports, music, social, and literary organizations. Students, alumni, and citizens of Perry support these activities by their co-operation and interest. A P, T. A. organization is a part of this cooperative effort. This year, 1956, we commemerate the 50th Anniversary of our school. May it continue to grow and to serve its students and community in the traditional worthwhile manner. A

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