A BRIEF HISTORY OF WINN TRAINING SCHOOL
By MARIA HAMS LEWIS
In the year 1925 the writer entered what is now Winn Training School as an assistant teacher under the leadership of Mr. A. C. Peters. At that time the institution, just making its beginnings, consisted of only one frame building of four classrooms, there being no water supply and lights.
The following year, under the principalship of Maria H. Lewis, the school was fortunate enough to secure electric lights along with a well for its water supply.
The school underwent all the assorted problems of an institution of its kind, and yet project was added to project and at the end of each session some new landmark stood to leave its lasting shadow on the horizon. As time passed, the school was fortunate enough to acquire another building consisting of four classrooms and an auditorium. Mr. A. L. Hill was principal during this time.
A quick birdseye view of the school under the leadership of Principal Zuma E. Bell 1929–33 reveals that there were two nice frame buildings and a progressive school program. An awakening occurred in athletics and cultural activities. Mr. Bell, with the assistance of the faculty and students, put on a very creditable program of beautifying the school grounds. Everyone put his shoulder to the wheel and worked as one big happy family. The first high school class graduated under the administration of Prof. Bell.
Under the administration of Mr. J. A. Simpson, 1933–43, was added another building, of brick construction, consisting of seven classrooms and a principal’s office. A greater emphasis was placed on the state curriculum and increased skill was exhibited by our students on athletic playing fields, especially in basketball. Winnfield teams won the district trophy in the Southern University rally in 1940 and were second place in the entire state rally in the same year. They were district champions again in 1942.
The next Principal, Benny E. Bailey, 1943–44, initiated the first successful agricultural program at the school and also continued the program of beautifying the campus. Principal Louis M. Long began the Hot Lunch Program at Winn Training School. The school acquired its hot water facilities along with an electric stove and refrigerator for the home economics department.
The opening of the 1947–48 session found J. Andrew Gaulden at the helm of Winn Training School. Long a noted figure in educational circles in Louisiana, having served as an instructor in the East Grambling College, as principal of the high school at Jonesboro, and as a teacher in the high school at Shreveport. He is indeed very energetic, and the new administration has made a record in the addition of new subjects and the improvement of old ones. A concrete basketball court has been constructed and the home economics building remodeled. As to encouragement, he has inspired his teachers and his pupils. Besides programs of athletic, educational and recreational interest, he is endeavoring to set up a good library and to provide each child with a guidance program. The school now has a science laboratory and an enlarged commercial department.
There stand on the campus now three buildings manned by a faculty of fifteen. The enrollment is over 300 pupils. A good spirit of comradeship, respect for the principal, interest and community service on the part of pupils has increased. Plans are being made to maintain a central heating system throughout the school. The administration is working to secure funds for the erection of a gymnasium and a lunch room building. With the successful agriculture department and the preparation being made for a full-fledged department in the field.