Washington-Liberty High School celebrated a remarkable milestone over the weekend, marking its centennial with a community event that brought together students from all eras.
Alumni spanning back to the early 1950s gathered, sharing cherished memories and experiences that have shaped their lives.
Jim Sheedfar, a proud member of the Class of 1970, expressed, “You never forget,” reflecting on the lasting impact of his time at W-L.
Although the school’s true anniversary falls on October 6, the celebration took place a weekend earlier to avoid conflict with scheduled SAT testing.
Founded as Washington-Lee High School, the institution transitioned from a whites-only school to a more diverse educational environment during the civil rights movement of the 1960s.
By the end of that decade, it had become the largest high school in the southeastern United States.
Today, Washington-Liberty High School remains the largest in Arlington County, with a student body of 2,700 and a faculty/staff of over 200.
Reflecting on his time at the school, Sheedfar recalled the profound influence of his teachers, including one who left for a hippie commune out West.
Susan Prokop, from the Class of 1974, echoed similar sentiments, reminiscing about the wonderful memories she holds from an era when the school served 10th to 12th graders.
Sheedfar and Prokop are part of an estimated 40,000 students who have walked through the W-L halls in its first century.
During the centennial open house, alumni enjoyed tours facilitated by the W-L Ambassadors Club and were entertained by performances from the school’s orchestra, choir, and rock band.
The choir presented a combined rendition of both the Washington-Lee and Washington-Liberty alma maters, creating a nostalgic atmosphere as they perused school yearbooks from the 1960s and 70s.
While the original Washington-Lee structure has long been replaced, the enduring spirit of the school thrives, according to Justin Bolfek, director of student activities and event organizer.
Bolfek stated that discussions for the centennial began back in the summer of 2024, emphasizing the community’s desire to commemorate this significant anniversary.
“People wanted something to happen for the centennial,” he said, acknowledging the brainstorming that took place for the event’s organization.
The school began its journey in July 1925, when the School Board approved the name “Washington-Lee” to honor Washington & Lee University, utilizing a dash for distinction over an ampersand.
Significant milestones in the school’s early history include:
– The laying of the cornerstone in fall 1924, located on the site of a former silkworm farm.
– The architectural firm employed was Upman and Adams, based in D.C.
– The original building featured 18 classrooms, laboratories, a gymnasium, cafeteria, auditorium, library, and a separate shop building.
– Samuel Vanderslice served as the first principal, with Geneva Thomas as assistant principal.
– Notably, W-L was the first high school in Virginia to offer free textbooks upon opening.
– The inaugural graduating class in 1927 consisted of 33 seniors.
As Arlington’s population surged, the school underwent several expansions, with the first taking place in 1930.
Until the establishment of Swanson Middle School the same year, Washington-Lee functioned as a joint middle and high school for grades 7 through 12.
In a contentious move, the School Board officially changed the school’s name to “Washington-Liberty” in 2019, which caused a stir within the community, with costs reaching nearly a quarter-million dollars.
Six years later, remnants of the old name persist, with signs at the school’s football stadium still reading Washington-Lee.
Centennial celebrations, which commenced in late 2024, are set to culminate with the homecoming football game as Washington-Liberty hosts Herndon High School on Friday, October 17 at 7 p.m.
image source from：arlnow
