"United We Stand"
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MCHS History
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In the 1890's a group of educationally-minded individuals began to formulate a plan to accommodate the need for education in our rural community. Their insight resulted in the organization of a school in 1901 known as the Lafayette College. This school was the forerunner of what is now Macon County High School. The school attracted students from various other counties, and while it lasted, Macon County made great strides in education.
In 1923, the Lafayette College building burned, leaving Macon County with the task of finding a replacement location for its school. The old Citizens Bank building on the public square was selected as the site, and the school remained here for a few years.
Meanwhile, the Tennessee State Board of Education had begun requiring all counties to have a high school, and the Macon County Quarterly Court appropriated the necessary funds to begin construction. The first class from this school graduated in the spring of 1927. Since the building was not completed until that fall, graduation exercises were held in the courthouse. The first three graduating classes consisted of 4 graduates, 8 graduates, 16 graduates respectively.
As busing became more prevalent in the county, more students came to attend the school, resulting in serious overcrowding. Thus, the Macon County Quarterly Court was forced to appropriate $200,000 for the construction of the of the second high school in the county's history. Property on what is presently Meador Drive in Lafayette was purchased, and in 1947, a new structure to accommodate approximately 250 students was built. this facility served adequately for the next 20 years, at which time the building underwent renovations including the addition of a stage, dressing rooms, a band room, home economics rooms, science labs, and a library. That year, 1967, was a milestone for Macon County High School as it was the first year more than 100 students received diplomas.
Macon County students in grades 9-12 received instruction in many varied subject areas at the school on Meador Drive for the next several years. Curriculums provided for the college-bound students as well as those who wanted to enter the work force or become self employed. Athletic teams prospered during these years also. Students participated in a variety of extra-curricular activities and enjoyed a well-rounded high school educational experience.
However, problems relating to an aging, overcrowded facility began to demand construction of a new school. Larger, more updated classroom space and equipment were needed, and core facilities at the 40-year-old building were severely inadequate. It was evident that Macon County would require a new, modern facility to meet its educational needs.
In 1989, the Macon County Board of Education purchased 130 acres of the Celsor property, located three miles east of Lafayette, to construct a new high school for students in grades 9-12.
Three years later, August 12, 1991, Macon County High School opened its doors to accommodate approximately 700 students. The staff consisted of two administrators and 29 teachers. the estimated value of the facility was 5.5 million dollars.
The core facility of Macon County High School included 27 classrooms, an auditorium with a seating capacity of 593, a gymnasium with a capacity for 1295, labs adjacent to the science classrooms, and a vocational wing.
In May of 1992, the first graduating class from the new Macon County High School consisted of 124 candidates.
Expansion of extra-curricular activities resulted in the addition of two new sports in the athletic department, track and tennis. Within that same year of 1993, a new field house for the football program was completed, and the site for a track field was under construction.
Despite the many advantages of a new high school, certain problems arose. Enrollment increased immensely within the second year, which created over-crowded situations in the hallways, classrooms, cafeteria area, and the auditorium became greatly undersized for the student population. Parking spaces became limited as well. The major criticism was that the new facility was too small to accommodate the increasing student population.
In 1993, Macon County High School marked a milestone in the history of graduation ceremonies, awarding diplomas to 143 candidates. This was the largest senior class to graduate thus far.
In the fall of 1993, the Macon County Board of Education worked with architects and staff to develop future educational specifics, which resulted in money being funded for a new two story high school. The target date for the new high school opening was set for the fall of the 1995 school year.
We looked forward to our future into the 21st century facility.
