|
|
Historical Aspects of S.P. Waltrip Sr. High
In the fall of 1960, under the direction of
Principal Gordon Cotton, S.P. Waltrip High School opened with the student body’s central theme "What have you done
for liberty? If nothing, what can freedom mean to you? “This theme is very much central to the character and values
instilled by our namesake, Mr. S.P. Waltrip. The belief in patriotism has always been held in high regard at Waltrip and this
can be seen in the organizations being formed the very first year and continue until today. Organizations such as the National
Defense Cadet Corp or today, we know it as the JROTC. They have won many honors throughout the years. The 1961 graduates’
patriotism ran high those early years as many young men graduated and served their country through one of the most turbulent
times in America. We had numerous service and leadership organizations the very first year as well as academic and fine art
achievements. That very first year, we had state and national honors in debate, national merit scholars and the band was voted
the city’s ‘best marching band’ with only 56 members. Throughout the 1960’s
the Spirit of Leadership theme, led the way forming the ‘W’ Association with many more academic and fine
art honors, we had our first exchange student from Germany. Athletics kept building their programs and both the boys and girls
teams success on the field was seen and Waltrip won the Sportsmanship award consistent basis. In
1966 as a new wing is opened at Waltrip. Pep rallies were held on the porch roof and Waltrip was taking
its place in the academic and athletic world. In 1967, there were National and State Honors for the Choir, City Football and
Basketball Championships and Golf District Championship. The only high school in Houston to win all in the same year!
By 1968, Waltrip was consistently begin recognized academically with national merit scholars and debate and this year
a student won the National Singer Sewing and we had our first National All-American First Team, Football member. In 1969,
politics became center at Waltrip as now President George Bush, ’41, spoke to the student body. The
1970’s started out with a bang as zoning in HISD became law and many Waltrip students were made to attend other schools;
now Waltrip not only had a rivalry with Reagan but also with Scarborough. “America
was in turmoil and the 1971 graduates were about getting involved and participating, while 1972 centered on expression/impression:
be yourself; The Class of 1972 has the distinction of having the largest number of graduates from Waltrip, with 762 seniors.
By 1973, the student body was awakening to come in contact with the world. Transparent windows, observers
of time and visions for the future characterized much of this decade. Throughout 1976, the bi-centennial of our country was
celebrated at Waltrip; the Imperial Guard added an officer just for this event. A state of change for Waltrip began in 1980’s
as the graduating classes became smaller but the character remained true. Challenges bring out the
best sometimes and Waltrip is no exception as academically and athletically our spirit was flying high. The school struggled
in many ways in the 1990’s as the graduating classes continued to decline with the class of 1998 being the smallest
with 128 seniors. Although there were educational challenges as the socio-economic downturn became a significant aspect of
the student body, their character and ability to dream and take action during this time brought more foreign exchange students
from Brazil, Australia and New Zealand and established the tradition of the Homecoming Parade. In 2000, Waltrip held tight
to traditions as they began to march out of their struggles toward the re-ownership of the foundations that made Waltrip High
School graduates feel proud. Waltrip again began to hit their academic stride becoming recognized by TEA
in 2001 for the academic accomplishments and again in 2008, 2009. In April 2010, we ranked 4th in Best Urban High
School for Low-Income Students in Texas and in the Top 6% of High Schools in America. Waltrip is one of only 6 HISD Comprehensive
High Schools in HISD to achieve TEA Recognized Status. As life is choices on the road, we must ‘buckle
up’, as we dream, think and achieve as S.P. Waltrip stands for freedom, liberty, brotherhood and
patriotism. These values are emboldened in our seal: Truth, Honor and Integrity. May all 19,611 graduates
of Waltrip continue to grow with “Ram Pride!” and may our abilities affect change in the lives we lead, the families
we care for and the communities we serve.
More history will be added.... hope you enjoy learning about our past as it affects our future.
|