Wilmington Area High School - New Wilmington PA

In July 1955 the Wilmington Area Joint School District was officially created. The move consolidated the four members of the existing Wilmington Joint School District (New Wilmington Boro, Volant Boro, Wilmington Township in Lawrence County, and Wilmington Township in Mercer County) with the townships of Plain Grove, Washington, and Pulaski. A building program resulted in the erection of the $1.8 million Wilmington Area Junior-Senior High School in New Wilmington, which opened for classes – though still not fully completed for some time – on Monday, September 8, 1958. (1988) Full Size

Wilmington Area School Board President Warren Wilkin and Supervising Principal Walt Whitman break ground for the new high school on Thursday, May 2, 1957. (1957)

Walt “Foxy” Whitman, the supervising principal of the school system at the time the new high school opened, faithfully served the New Wilmington district for thirty-three years. He retired in 1962. (1957)

The new high school building, designed by architect Robert A. Eckles, is shown under construction. The school was authorized was state officials in July 1956. (1958) Full Size

Another view of the high school being built on a 27-acre site in New Wilmington. (1958) Full Size

David C. Lewis, a Mercer High School graduate who attended several colleges, took over as High School Principal at the old school on Vine Street in June 1957. His wife Helen was also a math and French teacher at the school. Lewis had the honor of serving as the first principal of the modern Wilmington Area High School when in opened in September 1958. The Lewis duo served the school with distinction until they retired in June 1975. (1957) Full Size

A sketch of the proposed new high school. (1956) Full Size

A few members of the faculty of the Wilmington Area High School during the 1960-61 school year. (1960) Full Size

I believe this is a homeroom class of sophomores from the 1960-61 school year. Biology teacher Eleanor Getchy is standing at far left. (1960) Full Size

Students hard at study in the high school library. (1960) Full Size

Senior members of the Wilmington High varsity football squad give their attention to co-captains Paul Strong the Russ Byler Jr. in the fall of 1960. (1960) Full Size

The cheerleading squad of the 1960-61 school year. Go Greyhounds! (1960) Full Size

Lewis F. Maraffie served as Supervising Principal (Superintendent) of the district for almost three years beginning in mid-1962. He resigned in March 1965 to take up a similar position in Beachwood OH. (1963)

Veteran educator Hubert J. Sherwood took over as Supervising Principal in July 1965. He led the school district until he retired after thirty-nine years of educational service in January 1977. (1966)

David C. Lewis, a native of Mercer County, took over a High School Principal in June 1957. He served in that capacity until he retired in June 1975. (1966)

The administrative staff from the 1962-63 school year. (1962) Full Size

A few professional staff members from the 1962-63 school year. (1962) Full Size

One of the five classrooms of sophomores from the 1962-63 school year. (1962) Full Size

Members of the cafeteria staff prepare pizzas for lunch during late 1962. (1962) Full Size

Students and other spectators cheer on an event in the gym. (c1962) Full Size

School lets out for the day in late 1962. (1962) Full Size

The Greyhounds varsity football squad of the fall of 1962 was very competetive. In the photo above #21 Bill Adams of Wilmington High runs an end round. Adams took the “inter-suburban” league scoring title with 92 points and was an WPIAL 1st Team selection. (1962) Full Size

Students prepare to board a charter bus to take a trip to Washington D.C. during the 1962-62 school year. (c1962) Full Size

(1963) Full Size

Several faculty members from the 1966-67 school year. (1966) Full Size

Some of the seniors who made up the class of 1967. (1966) Full Size

A group of seniors who graduated in 1967. (c1966) Full Size

Students headed to their next class. (1967)

Chemistry class. (1966)

One of the four 9th grade classes from the 1966-67 school year. (1966) Full Size

The Color Guard in late 1966. (1966) Full Size

The offensive starters for the varsity football squad of the fall of 1966. The team finished with an overall record of 5-4. (1966) Full Size

The coaching staff of the varsity football team of 1966. From left its assistant coaches Eugene Nicholson and William Shoemaker, head coach Joseph Fusco (with football), and assistant coach Charles Garrett. (1966)

A Greyhound footballer hurdles a fallen opponent during action in late 1966. (1966)

The varsity cheerleaders from the 1966-67 school year. (1966) Full Size

The varsity basketball squad of 1966-67. (1967) Full Size

Dr. C. Leon “Lee” Ahlum, who served as the Superintendent of Wilmington Area School District for twenty years until he resigned – due to differences with the school board – effective June 2000. (1989)

High School principal John Shaw, who later served on the school board. (1989)

Assistant High School principal and guidance counselor Charles Garrett. (1989)

The Greyhounds varsity football squad from the fall of 1988. This team battled its way to the WPIAL Class “A” playoffs and defeated Leechburg 35-0 and Rochester 17-14 to reach the championship game. In that game they defeated Farrell 10-7 to take the crown for the second year in a row. (1988) Full Size

Varsity cheerleaders during the 1989 football season.

Cheerleaders at work in the home gymnasium during the 1988-89 school year.

Varsity cheerleaders from the 1989-1990 school year. Full Size

The girls varsity basketball squad from the 1988-89 school year. Full Size

The junior high band from 1989-90. Full Size

The “Wilarean” yearbook staff from the 1988-89 school year posing for a group photo. Full Size