User:Steer66/Blackshear Junior Senior High School

Blackshear High School (BHS) was a public high school located in Odessa, Texas (USA). The full name of the school at closing in 1966 due to federally ordered desegration was Blackshear Senior High School with grades 7 through 12. After 1966 the name was changed to Blackshear Junior High School and eventually to Blackshear Elementary Magnet School.

The student body of Blackshear High School was composed of freshmen (grade 9) through seniors (grade 12), with grades 7 and 8 (would have been Classes of 1967 and 1968. Grades 7 - 8 were part of the middle school program and did not attend classes with 9th through 12th grade students. Freshmen could compete in all varsity athletics with upper grades in all sports.

Sports teams
The mascot for Blackshear High School was the "Blackshear Steers". The Steers colors were green and gold.

The Blackshear Steers participated in football, basketball, and track. While the girls "Steerettes" competed in track and basketball.

BHS won a state championship in boys track and field.

Band
Blackshear High School also had a band that performed at athletic events, marching and musical competions, as well as local holiday events and parades. At school closing in 1966 the band was under the direction of Walter Hunt.

Administration & Staff
Although the administration and staff changed sufficiently over the 34 years of the school's existence, this listing consists of administration, faculty and staff during the final year as a high school. Some historical and developmental information has been captured and provided in the following section. Principal: Mr. Edward K. Downing

Staff: Mrs. Janetta DeWitt (Secretary)    Mr. Weldon Elbert (Counselor)              Miss Gladys Sharkey (Librarian)

Faculty: Mr. Wifield Anderson (Science)            Mr. Reginal Christopher (Mathematics)     Mr. William O. Davis (Social Studies) Miss Loyce J. Edmon (English)             Mr. James Elkins (Music)                  Mrs. Hazel Grubbs (Spanish) Mr. Allan Guster (Mathematics)            Mrs. Dorothy Hall (Physical Education)    Mr. Alfred Henderson (English) Mr. Walter Hunt (Music)                   Mr. Delmon Lyons (Social Studies)         Miss Mildred Medlock (Journalism) Mrs. Janie Neblett (Social Studies)       Miss Lillie P. Newton (English)           Mr. Edward Poindexter (Art) Mr. Albert E. Rheams (Physical Education) Mr Winfield Richmond (Industrial Arts)    Mrs. Farris Sharp (English) Mr. Ennis Shedwin (Science)               Mrs. Josephine Walker (Home Economics)    Mrs. Felonese Whitaker (Business) Mr. Price Whitaker (Auto Mechanics)       Miss Lucy White (Chemistry)               Miss Frizella Whitiker (English)

Cafeteria Staff: Mrs. Maola Dunn                           Mrs. Maggie Hancock                       Mrs. Johnnie Mae Young

Custodial Staff: Mr. Hebert Cox                            Mr. Riley Rand

Notable alumni


Category:Odessa, Texas

Historical Growth and Development
'''The Historical Growth and Development of Blackshear High School 1932-1966 Odessa, Texas'''

The year 1932 marks the opening of the first Negro school in Odessa, Texas. The school was a small one-room structure, located at the corner of South Muskingum and Myrtle Streets. Miss Ella D. Sayles was the first teacher and the student body was comprised of approximately eight students. One of the most promising students was Dorothy Phillips. Subjects from the first through the eighth grades were taught. The superintendent of Odessa Public Schools was Mr Murry H Fly.

In 1933, Miss E.L. Terrell succeeded Miss Sayles and taught until 1936. The student body grew some, but there were not many changes in the school.

Miss Arlene Jackson succeeded Miss Terrel in 1936, and she stayed one year. There were not any changes in the school, but seven students were added.

In 1937 Miss Velma Hathaway succeeded Miss Jackson, and stayed one year. The student body had grown to approximately fifteen students.

The year 1938 found Mr. Frank Everett succeeding Mis Hathaway. He was assisted by Mrs G.H. Jackson. Another classroom was also added, amking a total of two classrooms. During the 1939-40 period the student body grew so large, that additional classes were held in one of the churches.

In 1941-42, Miss Mabel Duval was added to the faculty. As the student body continued to grow, another classroom was added.

During the 1942-45 years, the student body grew rapidly. In 1945 Principal Everett took several boys to the Y.M.C.A meeting in Brownwood, Texas where they met boys from all over the United States.

Because of crowded conditions, 1946-46 was a hard year for teachers; however Principal Everett took some boys to the Y.M.C.A meeting in Fort Worth, Texas.

During the 1946-47 school year, Mr R.S. White succeeded Mr Everett as principal. The school took a trip to Prairie View State School for the State Track Meet. There was a JuniorSenior Prom given for the two seniors. The seniors were Teresa Carrol nad Archie Banks. Teresa attended Prairie View College. Archie married his high school sweetheart and continued to live in Odessa.

There were many changes during the 1947-48 school year. Two classrooms were added, making a total of five classrooms. Three teachers were added to the faculty; Mrs. Theresa Nelson, Mrs Kathleen Whitlock and Mrs. Rosa V. Rector.

The boys' basketball traveled to Hobbs, New Mexico for a tournament, winning first place and bring back a beautiful trophy. The girls' softball team won first place in a tournament in Midland, Texas, defeating Hobbs, New Mexico 22-21. The track team won second place in a track meet held in Odessa.

There were three graduates from high school; James Perkins, Virgie Perkins and Mildred Henson. Mildred attended college.