History of Hathaway High School; Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana Submitted by Kathy LaCombe-Tell Submitted July 2004 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************In 1920, five area elementary schools (Raymond, Grand Marais, Glen Roy, Nubbin Ridge, and Crochet) were consolidated at Hathaway. During the years of 1938-39, a new, modern steel and concrete building was erected as the old wooden plant, built in 1920, was no longer able to house the growing student body at Hathaway. At the time of construction, there were eleven grades included in the school cirriculum, and for the first time in it's history, students could complete their high school education at Hathaway High School. The first graduating class of Hathaway was in 1941. Graduates from 1941 through 1948 completed 11 grades. The twelfth grade was added in 1949 and kindergarten was mandated in 1975. 991 students have graduated from Hathaway High School from 1941 through 1997, with over 160 teachers and 5 principals, on the faculty throughout these years. A new cafeteria adjoining the school was built in 1945. A face lifting was given the school in 1953. It was completely renovated. A new gym floor, dressing rooms, and music room were added. In 1983, six additional classrooms were added to the front of the main building to accomodate the increased enrollment. In November, 1988, Hathaway High School celebrated it's 50th anniversary. Throughout it's existence, the school was always maintained and nurtured by the community. In October, 1989, the Hathaway school district passed a $400,000 bond issue for much needed school improvements. The following month, on Sunday, November 26, 1989, tragedy struck the core of the 51 year old structure. A thunderstorm moving through the area, delivered a lightning strike that engulfed the school in flames. The disaster could not have been anticipated, nor prevented. Despite the best efforts of our newly formed fire district and the efforts of members of the community, the structure could not be saved. Hathaway residents watched as their school, once filled with so many memories, disappear in the flames and smoke. A common cry, heard throughout the community was " what are we going to do?" Although difficult and traumatic as it was, school staff, parents, students, and the Hathaway community made the best of a tragic ordeal. There was no direct precedent for this situation. Immediate plans were made to keep Hathaway's strongly supported community school's student body and staff intact. The Hathaway school was transferred en masse' to Lake Arthur where grades K-8 were housed at the vacant St. Maria Goretti campus and the high school at the C.P. Adams complex. Hathaway students travelled to Lake Arthur from December, 1989 through May, 1992, while the new facility was being constructed. The fire was an inconvenience and disruption for the students, school staff, bus drivers, cafeteria personnel, custodians, parents, and the Hathaway school. The heart of the educational process and the school's extra-curricular activities never skipped a beat. That which Hathaway High is known for,- quality education, was never compromised. Enrollment has steadily increased and test scores have risen along with numerous contest victories. There were some concerns and frustrations for the Hathaway community after the loss. Insurance negotiations were long and tedious; the asbestos removal at the burned site was lengthy due to inclement weather. At the same time, there was a push for school consolidation parishwide. Hathaway, found itself fighting for it's survival. The community formed an SOS (Save our School) committee.The entire community became involved and in the end, was successful in fully restoring the K-12 Unit school at Hathaway. An insurance settlement of 3.4 million dollars was reached and the remains of the old building were demolished, paving the way for the new facility. Official ground-breaking ceremonies were held on February 7, 1991 for the new facility. The School Principal and staff, along with a community building committee worked closely with the architect in determining the educational design of the new building, which features an up-to-date library, science and computer lab facilities, as well as all necessary requirements needed in a modern kindergarten through twelth grade unit school. They also preserved some of the historical significance of the old building. The buildings which survived the blaze are now connected to the school. The "Hathaway High School" archway entry was salvaged and remains a part of the new facility. Although not the main entrance, the new school is designed around it. The new 1 story school faces south along La Highway 102 unlike the former 2 story building which faced La. Highway 26. The total cost of the new facility and the renovations to the industrial arts building amounted to $4,088,684.90. Construction was funded in part by the insurance settlement from the fire and in part by the $400,000.00 bond issue for improvements approved before the fire and the interest earned from those funds. The original completion date was slated for January 1992. However, due to inclement weather, final completion came in early summer, 1992. When the 1992-93 school year began the students and staff came home to a beautiful , functional, up-to-date facility and to rediscover what was unscathed by the fire - that Hornet spirit and the pride of it's people. There is a sense of quiet evolution of caring, growing, and changing that has occurred in the community, creating a blueprint that will enhance the Hathaway tradition and continued success in it's relentless pursuit of educational excellence.