|
A Brief History Of W. F. Burns Middle School
 | | William Freeman Burns Principal 1969 | | | 
Rehobeth High School 1969 |
The History W. F. Burns Jr. High School has a rich history in our community. The first building of this legacy was built in 1905. It was located between the Rehobeth Baptist Church and their lodge building. This first school served young African-American students in the Fairfax Community from first grade to ninth grade. In the earlier years of this school, no documentation could be found on the first principals; however, in 1934, Mr. H. C. Talley became principal and served until 1942. At this time, Mr. William F. Burns became principal. The school burned in 1947, and classes were held in Hall’s Memorial C.M.E. and Rehobeth Baptist Church. During this time, the first phrase of the present building was being built. The school was ready for occupancy in March of 1949. Mr. Burns’ goal was to make the school a full high school. The 10th and 11th grades were added, but further improvement was needed before the 12th grade could be added. The second phase of the building was completed in 1958, which included a home economics room, library, science lab, classrooms, kitchen, and a multi-purpose room which was used for a gym, a lunchroom, and an auditorium. The 12th grade became a reality, and the first high school graduation was in May 1959. French, music, typing, and band were added to the curriculum. The school now served students from Shawmut, Langdale, Fairfax, and Riverview. The third phase of the building was built when the Drew Junior High School in Shawmut was destroyed by a storm. Rehobeth began serving the 7th, 8th and 9th grades when these students were transported to our school. The year 1970 brought about great change in our community and in this school. The Federal Government did away with the dual school system, integrating our school system in the process. With integration, the fourth phase of the building was constructed. This addition included the band building, the lunchroom, classrooms, restrooms, storage rooms, and a science lab. In addition to this, Rehobeth School was renamed Valley Jr. High School. Mr. Burns remained principal of Valley Jr. High School until 1973. This school served black and white students in the 7th, 8th, and 9th grades until 1980. At this time, the 9th grade moved to Valley High School. In 1995, Valley Jr. High School went through one more change. The Chambers County Board of Education voted to change the name of the school to W. F. Burns Jr. High School in honor of William F. Burns. In 1999 the school's name changed again to W. F. Burns Middle School due to the addition of the 6th grade. In the year 2000, Priscella Pearson Holley became the first woman to hold the title of principal at the school.
The principals and assistant principals are as follows: Year Principals Assistant Principals 1934-1942 H. C. Talley ----------------------- 1942-1973 William F. Burns Frank Roberts 1973-1976 Virgil Holder William H. Stanford 1976-1979 William H. Stanford Russell Thrower George Thorton 1979-1980 Curtis Guy Leonard Riley 1980-1987 Frankie Mitchum George Thornton Tom Perryman 1987-1994 Larry Newton Gail Meadows Blackstone Jessie Lancaster 1994-1996 George McCulloh Robert Hale 1996- 2000 Robert Hale Vicki Lynn 2000 - Present Priscella Holley Bobby Smith Lee Hayes Jason Yohn Jody Walker Brad Cook *Allison Burton *Current Assistant Principal
Former Superintendents Present Superintendent
P. S. Owens Leonard Riley Morse Haynes Elvis Morrow Jerry Milner Melvin Fetner
Research provided by: Mark Hill (former student) Robert Hale (former principal) William F. Burns (former principal) Clemenstine Crawley (former teacher) Stacey Shaver (teacher) Emma Walker (former teacher)
|
