The first actual high school was an experimental program organized by P.T. McNally in 1897. Classes were held over what was Thompson's Hardware Store. The first class graduated in 1901. In the years that have followed countless numbers of boys and girls have gone on to higher education and various jobs with an excellent background in academics, sports, music, drama, art, etc., all provided for by teachers and programs that stress knowledge, leadership, cooperation, and a strong work ethic.