Central High School (Memphis, Tennessee)

Central High School is a public high school (grades 9-12) in Memphis, Tennessee. Since it was founded in the early 1900s and is considered the first high school in Memphis; Central is often called "THE" High School. It is a part of the Shelby County Schools Optional School system where it is recognized as a school specializing in college preparatory programs. The principal is Gregory McCullough. Central's mascot is the Warrior and the school colors are green and gold. For recognition as the successor to Memphis High School, the first high school in Memphis, Central High's football team, rather than having artwork denoting the "Warrior" mascot, simply has a capital "H", for THE High School

Central High School
Memphis Central High modern entry
Location
306 South Bellevue Boulevard

Memphis
,
Tennessee
38104

United States
Information
TypePublic
MottoEnhancing The Tradition of Excellence
Established1909
School districtShelby County Schools
PrincipalAnthony Cumia
Teaching staff83.20 (FTE)[1]
Grades9-12
Enrollment1,530 (2017-18)[1]
Student to teacher ratio18.39[1]
Color(s)Green and gold         
Fight songWarrior Song/War Drum
MascotWarrior
NicknameThe High School
RivalWhite Station High School
Websitewww.memphiscentral.org
Central High School
Front of Central High
Location306 S. Bellevue Blvd., Memphis, Tennessee
Coordinates35°8′1″N 90°1′11″W
Area6 acres (2.4 ha)
Built1911
ArchitectB.C. Alsup
Architectural styleTudor Revival, Jacobethan Revival
MPSPublic Schools of Memphis 1902-1915 TR
NRHP reference No.82004041[2]
Added to NRHPSeptember 17, 1982

History

Central High was built in 1911, when the current building was erected on Raleigh Avenue, now called Bellevue Blvd. It is in the Jacobean Revival architecture style, with corner pavilions on the west facade, and rusticated surrounds on the upper story windows. Though there have been additions, the school retains is architectural integrity.[3] Central High's building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 17, 1982.[2]

Academics

Central High School offers a traditional program of academics as well as an Optional College Preparatory Program. Honors and Advanced Placement courses are offered.[4]

Demographics

In 2014, 405 students received diplomas. ACT composite scores for the 2014-2015 school year were 18.1 vs 19.8 for the state and 21.1 national.[4]

Extra-Curricular/Clubs and Organizations

Central High School is known for its many clubs in foreign language, volunteer service, and honor societies. Central's extracurricular activities include:

  • Student Council
  • Future Business Leaders of America
  • Youth Crusaders Club
  • Newspaper Staff
  • Yearbook Staff
  • Broadcasting/Media Concepts
  • French Club
  • Spanish Club
  • Latin Club
  • DECA
  • Bowling
  • JROTC
  • Mu Alpha Theta
  • National Honor Society
  • International Club
  • National English Honor Society
  • Mock Trial Team
  • Key Club
  • Knowledge Bowl Team
  • Chess Club
  • GSA (Gender and Sexuality Alliance)
  • Debate Team

 

Central's concert choir under the direction of Mr. Gaylon Robinson has won many awards in the state and nation. Central's band adopted their own mascot called "Sam." (Spirit, Attitude, Musicianship). Central's current band director is Mr. Ollie Lidell and formerly was Mr. Roderick White. Central also has many successful athletic teams. The most notable are the softball, cross-country, basketball and track teams. The Lady Warrior Basketball team won the City and Regional Championships and were semifinalists at the state level in 2010. The Student Council is also very notable in the city, having participated in national and international student council conventions.

Noteworthy Alumnae and Alumni
  • Avron Fogelman - Prominent Memphis Businessman
  • Alex Chilton - musician of the Box Tops – “The Letter” - would have been CHS '69, but dropped out when The Letter became a hit
  • Bette Greene - CHS ’52; author “Summer of My German Soldier”
  • Kemmons Wilson - Creator of the Holiday Inn
  • Charles W. Burson - CHS '62; legal counsel and chief of staff to Vice-President Al Gore
  • George Barnes alias Machine Gun Kelly
  • Terry Manning - music producer, photographer
  • William Sanderson - CHS ’62; "Larry" on the Newhart show
  • John Farris - CHS ’55; author “Harrison High”, a fictional account of Central High
  • William G. Leftwich, Jr. - Marine killed in Vietnam
  • William F. Barnes - football coach at UCLA
  • Peter Taylor - short-story writer and novelist
  • Lester Hudson - professional basketball player
  • William Poduska - CHS '55; electrical engineer, businessman, and professor
  • Edward L. Stanton III - United States Attorney & federal judicial nominee
  • Damon West - CHS '92; alias "DJ D.We$t" - musician, DJ, manager, promoter, producer
  • Natalie Jackson - CHS '78; alias Kudisan Kai, former backup singer for Elton John
  • Margaret Valiant - musician, folklorist, ethnomusicologist and activist
  • Jon Wells - CHS '76; alias "Thunder Paws", former drummer for Black Oak Arkansas (recorded on Ready As Hell)
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Memphis Central High School Websites

Memphis Central High School Class Websites

References
  1. Central High
  2. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
  3. Lloyd Ostby (May 1982). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Central High School". National Park Service. Retrieved February 9, 2016. Accompanying three photos from 1982.
  4. "Central High School Profile" (PDF). Central High School Memphis. 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 February 2016. Retrieved 10 February 2016.
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