Poca High School
| Poca High School | |
|---|---|
 Poca High School Logo  Current Poca High School  1926 Poca High School. Once a Dot Always a Dot! | |
| Address | |
|
1 Dot Way Poca, WV, 25159 | |
| Information | |
| Type | Public High School |
| Established | 1922 |
| School district | Putnam County Schools |
| Principal | Victor Donalson |
| Grades | 9-12 |
| Campus type | Suburban |
| Color(s) | Red and Grey |
| Nickname | The Dots |
| Rivals | Nitro High School |
| Website | http://www.edline.net/pages/Poca_High_School |
Coordinates: 38°27′31″N 81°48′59″W / 38.458583°N 81.816389°W
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 and it is a part of the Putnam County Schools.
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 riding upon a white horse in honor to the Native American, Pocatalico, who was killed at the mouth of the Pocatalico River.[1] 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.
History
Poca High School first opened its doors in September, 1922.[2] The small white schoolhouse was located on a hillside between Bancroft and Black Betsy, WV. The school moved in 1926 to its second established building. In 1970, the school relocated to its current location. Significant renovations and additions were added between 2011-2012. The former building was used as Poca Junior High (later Middle) School from 1970 until 2012; that building was demolished in 2013.[3]
The first graduating class consisted of eleven students. The first school paper, "The School Echo", was published in January, 1924. Three years later, the first annual yearbook, "The Pocatalico", was published. Since then, there has been an issue of "The Pocatalico" released every year.
Arts & Athletics
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.
Alma Mater
Through the halls of Poca High School, loud the echoes ring!
May the loyal grads to follow praises ever bring.
Poca High School, Poca High School, may she always be
On the banks of Old Kanawha, beautiful to see!
As we sing our Alma Mater at each activity,
May God bless our student body, praise we give to thee.
Poca High School, Poca High School, may she always be
On the banks of Old Kanawha, beautiful to see!
External Links
References
- ↑ Poca High School (1950). Pocatalico. Poca, WV: Poca High School. p. 4.
- ↑ Harper, Charles (1983). Poca High School football: And a short history of Poca High School, 1922-1983 (1 ed.). Poca, WV: M.F.B.H. Cash. p. 200.
- ↑ http://www.wowktv.com/story/22974350/old-poca-middle-school-to-be-demolished