Poca High School
Poca High School originally titled "Pocatalico District High School" is a high school in Poca, West Virginia. It serves the easternmost portion of Putnam County, West Virginia. The school is rated as having 601 students for athletic purposes, placing it in class "AA". The school colors are red and grey. Its original mascot was an American Indian in homage to the Indian-derived name of the Pocatalico River which courses through the town of Poca. The current nickname, thought to be unique in the nation and for which the school is mildly famous, is the "Dots" and has been featured by ESPN and Sports Illustrated in several lists of "best school mascots." "The Dot" mascot was first referenced in 1928, during a storming football game when a reporter exclaimed, "they look like a bunch of red polka dots running around the field!" The name stuck and is still currently used.
The current building was constructed in 1969-1970 with significant renovations and additions in 2011-2012. The original building, constructed in 1926, was used as Poca Junior High (later Middle) School from 1970 until 2012; that building was demolished in 2013.[1]
Poca High School is known for fielding highly competitive athletic teams and music ensembles (including marching band and show choir) which have earned the school multiple awards, championships, and recognition on the state, regional, and national stages.