About Us
Our Big THREE
These three people have clearly left their imprints on our lives, Mr. E.N . Koonce, our first principal, Mr. E.D. Brown, our second principal, and Mr. B.W. Simmons, our third and last principal. We also owe a measure of THANKs to Mr. Newbern, an interim principal who was named to serve while Mr. E.N. Koonce furthered his education at Tennessee A&I State University.
The Beginning …
Where did it all begin? Prior to 1925, there were almost no opportunities for Blacks to acquire a formal education in Crockett County. There were only 2 elementary schools in Alamo, that later merged into Alamo ‘Colored’ School. These schools later turned into Alamo ‘Colored’ High School in 1934. For about a decade there was a building, valued at about $6,000; land valued at $400; 75 library books; 86 desks; a well for drinking water; and 2 outdoor toilets. Mr. E.N. Koonce was the first principal.
The Development …
Mr. E.D. Brown was appointed the second principal in 1937. He was a very dynamic and influential individual. He continued to stress the importance of an education to everyone. He convinced Mr. Fulton Jacox of Maury City, and Mr. Q.P. Anderson of Alamo to use their trucks to transport children to school and back. After World War II, school buses were provided. During his tenure as principal, he added the Home Economics Department, Commerce Training, Cosmetology, and appointed a Band Director.
One morning in February, 1950, students and teachers arriving to school were met with a very bewildering sight – their school was burning to the ground! After this tragedy, classes were held wherever space could be found, in churches, homes, and teachers’ quarters until a brand new, red brick building was constructed on the site where it sits today. This progressive move was, as well, attributed to “Professor” Brown’s tenacity.
The End …
In 1959, as the world was entering the ‘Space Age’, a bold young man, in the person of Mr. B.W. Simmons, Launched his own innovative way of educating the “New Breed” of young people as he prepared for his first year of being a principal. His first graduating class was 1960, and his las graduating class was 1970. During his tenure, many, many innovative and progressive developments made their way to ‘Good Ole’ Central. The doors to Central High School, Alamo, Tennessee, closed in 1970, but no before a few thousand students matriculated through it’s ‘Hallowed Hall’, in the words of our Alma Mater – “We’ll never say adieu”.