The Panther mascot had been chosen for the school some years before, as well as red and white as school colors. In the mid-1940's, Richard Wood, an English teacher, composed the Alma Mater, "Beside the Little River Side".
The 1940's and 1950's were periods of tremendous school-community interaction. Almost every student was employed by a local business or farm. Interest in music, drama, FFA, FHA, and other activities were at an all-time high. Classes raised money for their senior trips, sometimes as far away as Washington, D.C., and New York City. There was a high level of participation in the annual Terrapin Derby, with school groups and contracting with local businessess and civic organizations to build floats for the parade. Much of this activity was under the direction of Miss Billie McClellan, who tirelessly lent her leadership and wisdom to every facet of life at LHS.
The 1950's also brought about many program and curricular improvements. Until this time, course offerings were limited and most students took the same subject. Under the leadership of Superintendent J.D. McGehee, the school undertook to expand the curriculum in preparation for accreditation by North Central Association. F.M. May became the first counselor in 1954. The school was accepted by NCA and has been a member since that time.
In 1964, the Lepanto and Bondsville districts merged to bring the enrollment to well over 1000 students.
Before 1966, black elementary students were educated at spear Lake and black high school students were transported to Marked Tree on a tuition basis. Racial integration was completed in 1966, and the dual system was ended.
State Department of Education, the communities of Lepanto and Tyronza voted to consolidate their respective schools. This move was initiated in 1986 when Maurice Rider was superintendent. Thus, on June 30, 1986, Lepanto Public Schools ceased to be a discreet entity and became art of the East Poinsett County Schools.
The 100 plus-year history of the Lepanto School System is a testimony to the efforts of many people. There is no way to gauge the sacrifice and labor of hundreds of citizens, teachers, and students in maintaining a viable institution
of learning. There is no way to tell how many students have attended the school, or graduated from it. Nor is there a way to ascertain how many teachers have taught here. But, in the final analysis, the successes have outlasted the failures, and the school is into its second century of providing the best education possible for the youth of Lepanto and Tyronza.
Sue Chambers, copyright holders.
