History

History provided by Jessie May Reasor

APPALACHIA TRAINING SCHOOL

In 1937, a small building consisting of two rooms was erected on the outskirts of the town of Appalachia. It was located approximately 150 yards west of the Church of God that is presently on Callahan Avenue in Appalachia. The doors of the building were open to the community children in the fall of 1938. Two additional rooms were later added.

At that time, the school was named "The Appalachia Training School" by a local minister. In 1939, the idea of consolidation of all African American high school students started to be implemented. Many thought the work "Training" made it sound as if the school was a vocational school instead of a high school..

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

The name, Central High School, was suggested by C.H. Shorter, principal of the Appalachia Training School. The name change alone seemed to boost the community and helped to end the confusion about the type of school. During the first few years of the school's existence, students were brought from various communities in private cars. A small fund was set aside by the school board to reimburse the drivers. In 1940, a privately-owned bus was used to transport the "Car-pooled" students.

By this time, the program of a consolidated school was taking shape. The elementary pupils were now being transported to Big Stone Gap, a twin town about 3 miles away. The high school pupils of that town were brought to Appalachia. Teachers of the school taught many classes and put in many long hours. Many commented that they would do whatever needed to be done to be successful. The next improvement was made when a unit of books were purchased to start a library. Then the faculty introduced football as an extra curriculum activity.

While the building was not made of the best materials, the teachers and pupils made the best of the circumstances. It was apparent by 1952, that a bigger and better facility would have to be built.

BLAND HIGH SCHOOL

In May of 1954, the new $3000,000 James A Bland High School for Wise County African American Students was started at Big Stone Gap. Bland High School was located where the Big Stone Gap Town Hall is presently located on Fifth Street.

The African American high school students attended Bland High School until the early 1960's when all American schools were integrated. At that time, the Bland High School was changed to Carnes Middle School, named for Rexall H. Carnes, a teacher and coach for Bland.