A History of Forest Hill School - Continued

On July 1, 1967, Mr. Joe Walker began his duties as principal of Forest Hill. Serving as his assistant was Mrs. Eva Ferguson. At this time the enrollment was approximately 1,300 students in grades one through twelve. During Mr. Walker's principalship, Forest Hill faced many challenges and accomplished many things that have helped make it an excellent school. Two of the major issues that were dealt with during this time were school desegregation and annexation of the Forest Hill area into the city of Jackson. During the late sixties "the crossover" of teachers and students began. Mrs. La Pearl Myrick was the first black teacher at Forest Hill. In January of 1970 this school, along with many other public schools in Mississippi, completed desegregation. Also, during the 1969-70 school year, the band building was built and the elementary school was dissolved. These students moved to Woodville Heights and Timberlawn schools. Annexation of the Forest Hill area by the city of Jackson was met with opposition by community citizens. The city of Jackson expanded its city limits twice, and three elementary schools were built (to hold 1,800 students) to relieve some of the crowded student conditions at Forest Hill. In spite of this, there were still over 1,700 students at Forest Hill. At one time, there were three church busses and a Hinds Junior College bus used to supplement the 13 busses. At times children were put in three churches. The old Forest Hill Methodist Church was purchased and converted it into three classrooms. There was one section of sixth graders in the Forest Hill Masonic Banquet room at one time. Cooperation was 100% from everybody. Barrack buildings were brought from Camp Van Dorn and four classrooms and a band room used. At one time the shop was partitioned into 5 classrooms and an A section was put on the stage, with a section in each of the two rooms on either side the stage, and three sections on the main gym floor.

After five years of court battles, the city annexed the area, and in 1977-78 Forest Hill School became a part of the Jackson Public School system. During the 1978-79 school sessions, Forest Hill School became Forest Hill High School and the junior high portion became nonexistent. Prior to the move into the Jackson Public School system, Mrs. Ferguson retired. Mr. John Ladner and Mr. Charley Harris became the new assistant principals The school adjusted to a new school system and faced run-down buildings and overcrowded conditions. However, the school continued to excel in all areas, producing numerous National Merit semifinalists, and winning state championships awards in many extracurricular areas.

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by Carl Burnham, Alumni, Class of 1980 with the assistance of Forest Hill alumni staff