Cherryville High School

Cherryville High School is a high school in the Gaston County Schools public school district located in Cherryville, NC. Its attendance area covers northwestern Gaston County, and it also serves the western part of the community of Tryon and the surrounding rural area. Kevin Doran currently serves as principal. Fran DaCanal serves as assistant principal. Scott Harrill serves as athletic director.^[1]

Early History

The town's first public, permanent school building was constructed in 1892 on land donated by Mr. W.R. Carroll and Mr. M.L. Dellinger. It was located west/southwest of downtown, very near the intersection of West Academy Street and Dixie Streets in Cherryville and was a rectangular frame building with two floors and a front bell tower. The new building, facing east, was called The Cherryville Academy and was utilized for about 25 years until a much larger brick building was constructed in 1915 on East First Street.

In 1902 the Cherryville Township voted to levy a special tax against its citizens to publicly maintain a graded school, including the introduction of a high school. In the fall of 1908, the Cherryville Academy School officially passed the state requirements for graduating students following 11 years of formal instruction. It achieved this significant milestone, as a "North Carolina state high school", under the administration of Principal J.W. Strassell.

The Academy & the First Graduating Class in 1911

The "Academy", which was abandoned in 1915 for the new brick structure, was significant because it heralded the first graduating class from Cherryville Schools: two girls and four boys.

A rapidly growing community & school system

In June 1915 the town bought a five-acre tract of land on the north side of First Street between Pink and Depot Streets for $1,450 from Mr. Joseph Black. A new three-story brick school was erected, housing 19 classrooms for both elementary and high school students and a large auditorium.

With the construction of another brick two-story school building ("Elementary Number 2 School"; later "West School") in 1925 the First Street location became home to Cherryville High School (CHS). In 1927 a modern gymnasium was completed on the school campus.

The Great Depression of 1929 impacted the Cherryville City School System. Early victims were the home economics' department and the public school music teacher position, which were not reinstituted until 1931.

In 1936 a third, large, two-story brick building was constructed on the east portion of the original five-acre tract bought in 1915. The older school (constructed in 1915) became home to the first seven grades as was renamed "Elementary Number 1 School".

The 1940s

Significant curriculum changes advanced Cherryville High School through the 1940s. By 1943 the nine-month school year was incepted, increasing annual school days from 160 to 180. A 12th grade was added to the high school in the fall of 1945 and the ninth grade officially became the first year of the high school program.

Cherryville City Schools Superintendent Foster W. Starnes devoted much effort to the erection of large, modern auditorium in 1949 with an impressive price tag of $125,000 and the auditorium was named after him. In that same year a vocational wing was added to the east side of the high school building to accommodate home economics, agricultural and "shop" instruction.

The spring of 1947 marked the first graduating class, having completed 12 years of formal instruction. The class of 1950 was the first to hold commencement exercises in the new "F.W. Starnes Auditorium", it having been named in honor of the Cherryville City Schools Superintendent.

The 1950s

The early 1950s bolstered the Cherryville tradition of community involvement in and support of the high school: Cherryville High School met requirements to become a member of the Southern Association of College and Secondary Schools in 1951. The Cherryville Woman's Club made a donation towards much-needed equipment for the library. In 1952 a CHS Parent-Teacher Association was formed.

Also in 1952 a new high school classroom addition was constructed, specific for the business and commercial instruction department at CHS. This building, immediately to the west of Starnes Auditorium, now houses part of Cherryville's Blaine Beam Intermediate School.

In 1955, the Cherryville City Schools administration approved construction of a state-of-the-art physical education building with a large gymnasium, shower rooms and a weight room. This facility was dedicated as the "Joe R. Nixon Physical Education Building" in January, 1956, Mr. Nixon being a former superintendent of the Cherryville City School System. In 2012, the Nixon Gym is still home to "Ironman Basketball". A student "commons area" was created between the Starnes Auditorium and the yet-to-be constructed freestanding cafeteria. A vocational department for bricklaying and "shop" was added to the basement area of the Joe R. Nixon Physical Education Building.

The 1960s

The 1960s brought about more rapid change at Cherryville High School as it continued its legacy as a highly regarded secondary school in the state of North Carolina. In the early 1960s, Superintendent William H. Brown appealed to the Cherryville citizens and succeeded in levying, by public vote, a fifteen-cent tax increase to support the Cherryville City School System.

In 1961 construction was completed on two additions at the CHS Campus: a free-standing high school cafeteria at corner of Pink Street and East First Street and the "Instrumental and Choral Music Building", attached to the north side of Starnes Auditorium.

Largely a community effort, the Rudisill Memorial Football Stadium was built at a cost of $78,000 and was dedicated September 6, 1963. The Rudisill Foundation, created by C.A. "Carl" Rudisill, long-time benefactor of Cherryville Schools, contributed significant funds to build this modern, brick stadium on the north-north/east portion of the CHS Campus. The Cherryville citizens matched the Rudisill's contribution in a short period of time. The stadium was named in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Rudisill and their son and his wife, the late Mr. and Mrs. Ben Rudisill. Sadly, in 2012 the stadium was demolished after an engineering study revealed permanent damage to its structure.

In the fall of 1963 the Cherryville City Schools, including CHS, was widely recognized as a leader in public instruction, culminating with a visit of then-Governor Terry Sanford. Governor Sanford toured the schools and the CHS campus, accompanied by Cherryville City School Board Chairman Mr. David R. Mauney.

In 1966 John Chavis High, which had graduated Cherryville's African-American children for thirty-plus years, was integrated with Cherryville High School. It was the first school in Gaston County to fully integrate grades 10 through 12. Harvey Lee Patterson was the first black student who entered CHS in 1965 and he graduated with honors, as Class Salutatorian in 1969.

In 1968 the citizens of Gaston County narrowly voted in favor of abolishing the Cherryville City School System and absorbing it into the Gaston County School System, creating the "Gaston County Consolidated School System." The Cherryville citizens overwhelmingly voted against the consolidation effort with 900 votes. Only 9 votes in Cherryville were recorded as "in favor" of consolidation.

For nearly 80 years, the people of Cherryville had proudly supported their independent school system, imposing a tax to provide their children with a quality education. In contrast the larger Gaston County School System was funded exclusively by authorization of the Gaston County Commissioners as part of the county property tax. As a result of consolidation, the Cherryville tax was eliminated and the level of financial support for Cherryville schools was greatly diminished.

The Demise of Cherryville High School?

In the same 1968 referendum, a separate bond package was offered to the county citizenry to build new high schools in each quadrant of Gaston County. That package passed as well.

As part of the strategy for school construction, the new administration of the Consolidated Gaston County Schools proposed to combine Cherryville High School and Bessemer City [NC] High School into a single "Northwest High School". It would be constructed mid-way between Cherryville and Bessemer City, near the Tryon Elementary School on State Highway 274, just south of Cherryville.

Both communities were adamantly opposed to the consolidation and developed legal positions against the consolidated high school, funded entirely by contributions. The most prominent opposition was organized as "SOS" or "Save our School", originating within the Cherryville community. Mr. Howell Stroup, a long-time civic leader in Cherryville, led this organization for some time.

Even with significant hostility voiced by both Cherryville and Bessemer City citizens, the Consolidated Gaston County School Board of Education voted in favor of moving ahead with the proposed Northwest High School.

For the next several years, the Cherryville / Bessemer City consolidation effort was blocked by several on-going lawsuits and through the tireless backing of Mr. Howell Stroup of Cherryville, a member of the school board.

In 1976, Dr. Bud Black was elected County Commissioner, representing the Cherryville Township and Gene Carson was elected County Commissioner representing the Crowder's Mountain Township. Dr. Black and Mr. Carson combined the efforts to seek consensus among the commission to permanently eliminate funding for construction of the Northwest High School.

CHS will Remain

Almost 10 years after the first public vote, the Gaston County Board of County Commissioners held public hearings in Cherryville, Tryon School district, and Bessemer City to gauge support for the proposed Northwest High School. Following these public hearings, with overwhelming opposition still against the proposed merger, the Gaston County Commissioners and Consolidated Gaston County Board of Education agreed to maintain Cherryville High School and Bessemer City High School as separate entities.

In tandem Dr. Black and other citizens demanded that funding be made available to replace the antiquated 1936 CHS building, still in use at that time. Funding was approved and by 1981 a new CHS building was added to the existing Cherryville Junior High School, located on Ridge Avenue. The school was constructed in the same circular fashion as the junior high building, giving it an aerial look of a reel-to-reel projector sprawling across 15.3 acres of land.

CHS: 1990s and Beyond

Cherryville's high school has grown remarkably since the days of the "Academy". The graduates have left footprints on the sands of time or are making their footprints in today's fast-moving society. Cherryville High School, unique in its small size, is a true example of how quality has surpassed quantity in the expectations and academic standards or society.

The school consistently graduates between 100 and 150 students each year. In 2011 there are over 600 students in grades 9 through 12, with a staff of 50.

Cherryville High School Education Foundation

Prompted by cutbacks in funding from the state and county resources, in November 2010, a small group of CHS alumni and friends of the school established a non-profit organization to support academic excellence at CHS: Cherryville High School Education Foundation

The CHSEF is independent of CHS and Gaston County and state education bodies. Fifteen board members, predominately CHS alumni with a broad range of experience, professionally manage the Foundation. Grants are awarded exclusively to Cherryville High each year based on specific criteria, aligning with the Foundation's mission and objectives.

CHSEF has been granted tax-exempt status as a 501 (c) (3) corporation. All contributions are tax-deductible. As of spring 2012, the Foundation has surpassed an initial fundraising goal of $50,000. The Foundation produced the first in a series of videos celebrating 100 years of Cherryville High School: Cherryville High School: the First 100 Years

CHS Music Department

The first marching/concert band for the school system was organized in 1913.

CHS Ironmen and Lady Ironmen Athletics

Cherryville High School athletically competes in the 1A classification of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. Enrollment of high schools within the 1A classification range from Ocracoke's 28 students to Southwest Onslow High School's 729 students.

Basketball The basketball success has been attributed to two stalwarts in the coaching profession. Dr. Bud Black [CHS '61] and Dennis Tate ['72] teach basketball and coach for the basketball program at Cherryville High School. Dr. Black, returning to his hometown after finishing graduate school, began to teach the fundamentals of basketball to youngsters in the elementary school gym one to two nights a week. He received help from other great basketball players who had played at Cherryville High School and in various colleges. These included Keith Harris ['04], Leroy Roberts, Al Graves ['69], and Dennis Tate ['72]. These young players, mostly grades 1-6, began to understand the game and became successful in competitions with area teams from the Boys Club, YMCA, community center, etc. Many youth tournaments were won by these young players. The group who started learning the fundamentals of basketball as first graders in 1973 later won the North Carolina State Championship of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association in 1985. This state championship team had two first team All-State selections in Terry Whisnant and Kenneth Poston.

The community and Cherryville High School honored Dr. Bud Black on February 23, 2007 by naming the high school gymnasium court "Bud Black Court." Dennis Tate was honored on November 27, 2007 with the retirement of his jersey. Dennis is the only player from Cherryville to ever be in the NCAA Division I Final Four. Bud Black and Dennis Tate have been partners in coaching basketball for 30 years.

The 2007-2008 team had two All-State players in Cameron Lovelace and Justin Johnson. Both players were selected to play in the prestigious NCHSAA All-Star game in Greensboro. This was the first time a 1A school had ever had two players selected as one of the ten from the western part of North Carolina. Both received scholarships to college. Cameron signed for a basketball scholarship at NCAA Division I University of North Florida. Justin signed with Motlow State Community College, Lynchburg, Tennessee. Also, Tyler Buff, a guard on 2007-2008 team signed a basketball scholarship with Montreat College, Montreat, North Carolina.

The 2009-2010 basketball team won 27 games while losing 3 games and had three outstanding players. Terry Whisnant, II. was selected First Team All-State. In April, 2010, Terry Jr. committed to play at Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida. Thomas Bess was selected to several post season honors and has not committed to any university as of May, 20-10. Darius Howell signed a basketball scholarship with Sandhills Community College. Brandon Heavner, the center on the 2009-2010 team, finished third academically in his class and will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Terry Whisnant, II, was selected by Nike (Cherryville Eagle) as one of the best 15 shooting guards in high schools from throughout America. Thereby because of this rank he played in the Lebron James (Miama Heat) Basketball Elite Summer Program. Terry has committed to play his college basketball at Florida State University.

The 2010-2011 basketball team won 25 games while losing 5 games. Terry Whisnant continued his outstanding play as he scored 2,561 points in his four-year career. This total set a new record for players in Gaston County and a new record for players in Cherryville High School. Terry Whisnant was selected as the Associated Press Player of the Year for the State of North Carolina. Terry Whisnant was selected to the Associated Press All-State team. Thomas Bess and Terry Whisnant were selected to the All-District Team and both were honored as All-Conference selections. Terry Whisnant will play his college ball at Florida State University and Thomas Bess will play at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. The Cherryville Ironmen were sectional champions and lost in the Regionals.

The Cherryville High School basketball team has had some outstanding coaches since the 1960s. The most successful ones include Emmett Feimster, Bill Hinson (coach of first conference championship team in 1969), Bud Black, David Watkins and Scott Harrill.

Following is the list of basketball championships and coaches: 1968-69 State AAA Conference Champions. Bill Hinson and Lester Jenkins. 1983-84 Conference Champions Conference Tournament Champions and Sectional Champions. Bud Black, Dennis Tate and Al Graves. 1984-85 State AA and Conference Champions, Conference Tournament Champions; Sectional Champions, Regional Champions, Charlotte Observer Sweet 16 Champions. David Watkins and Lester Jenkins. 1986-87 Sectional Champions. David Watkins. 1989-90 Lincoln Bank Tournament Champions. David Watkins. 1992-93 Conference Champions. David Watkins. 1993-94 Conference Tournament Champion. David Watkins. 1994-95 Conference Champion and Conference Tournament Champion. David Watkins. 1995-1996 Conference Champion and Conference Tournament Champion. David Watkins, Bud Black and Dennis Tate. 1996 Sundrop Tournament Champion. David Watkins, Bud Black and Dennis Tate. 1996-97 Conference Champion and Conference Tournament Champion. David Watkins, Bud Black and Dennis Tate. 1997 BB&T Holiday Classic Champion. David Watkins, Bud Black, Dennis Tate. 1997-98 Conference Champion and Sectional Champion. David Watkins, Bud Black, Dennis Tate. 1998 BB&T Holiday Classic Champion David Watkins, Bud Black, Dennis Tate. 1998-99 Conference Champion, Sectional Champion. David Watkins, Bud Black, Dennis Tate. 1999 BB&T Holiday Classic Champion. David Watkins, Bud Black, Dennis Tate. 1999-00 Conference Tournament Champion and Sectional Champion. David Watkins, Bud Black, Dennis Tate. 2001 BB&T Holiday Classic Champion. Scott Harrill, Bud Black, Dennis Tate. 2003 BB&T Holiday Classic Champion. Scott Harrill, Bud Black, Dennis Tate. 2003-04 Conference Champion and Sectional Champion. Scott Harrill, Dennis Tate, Bud Black. 2005 BB&T Holiday Classic Champion. Scott Harrill, Bud Black, Dennis Tate; 2005-06 Conference Champion. Scott Harrill, Bud Black, Dennis Tate. 2006 BB&T Holiday Classic Champion. Scott Harrill, Bud Black, Dennis Tate. 2006-07 Conference Champion and Conference Tournament Champion and Sectional Champions. Scott Harrill, Bud Black, Dennis Tate. 2007 Ranked # 3 in North Carolina 1A Teams. Scott Harrill, Bud Black, Dennis Tate. 2007 Ranked #8 Charlotte Observer Sweet 16. Scott Harrill, Bud Black, Dennis Tate, Antonio Griggs. 2007-08 Conference Champion and Conference Tournament Champions. Scott Harrill, Bud Black, Dennis Tate, Antonio Griggs. 2008 Ranked # 3 in North Carolina 1A Teams. Scott Harrill, Bud Black, Dennis Tate, Antonio Griggs. 2008 BB&T Holiday Classic Champion. Scott Harrills, Bud Black, Dennis Tate, Antonio Griggs. 2008-09 Sectional Champion. Scott Harrill, Bud Black, Dennis Tate, Antonio Griggs. 2009-10 Conference Champion and Conference Tournament Champions. Scott Harrill, Bud Black, Dennis Tate, Antonio Griggs. 2009-10 Ranked #7 in North Carolina 1A Teams. Scott Harrill, Bud Black, Dennis Tate, Antonio Griggs. 2009-10 Ranked # 14 Ranked #8 Charlotte Observer Sweet 16. Scott Harrill, Bud Black, Dennis Tate, Antonio Griggs. 2010-11 Conference Champion and Sectional Champions. Scott Harrill, Bud Black, Dennis Tate, Antonio Griggs.

All-Time Leading Scorers for CHS Boys Basketball 2,561 — Terry Whisnant II, CHS Class of 2011; 2,388 – Justin Johnson, '08; 1,881 - Thomas Bess, '11; 1,836 - Cameron Lovelace, '08; 1,747—Terry Whisnant, '85; 1,501—Tarbarac Bell, '00; 1,484—Jason Browne, '04; 1,423—Kenny Poston, '85; 1,288—Antone Little, '03; 1,284—Tony Griggs, '86; 1,280—Ralph Roberts, '98;1,263—Jason Allen, '94; 1,244—Kenneth Harris, '04; 1,226—Alan Griggs, '88; 1,184—Antonio Griggs, '06; 1,183—Marlon Roberts, '76; 1,169—Dennis Tate, '72; 1,140—Ronald Turner, '56; 1,064—Apollo Brooks, '92; 1,019—Jimmy Graves, '73; 1,012—Sarbarac Bell, '00; 1,001-Kenny Poston, 2014.

All-Time Leading Scorers for CHS Girls Basketball 1,694—Ebone Johnson, CHS Class of 2005; 1,618—Pat Sigmon, '58; 1,392—Abby Owens, '03; 1,178—Tasha Young, '95; 1,143—Natalie Willis, '04; 1,076—Shanda Young, '88; 1,063—Heather Hager, '92 -->

References

External links

• Cherryville High School official website
• Cherryville High School Education Foundation