In the summer of 1966, West End High School was established.
West End is a consolidation of Altoona High School and Walnut
Grove High School. It is located at 4515 Elm Street in Walnut
Grove, Alabama. This is on the west side of Etowah County
adjoining Blount County on the west and south and Marshall
on the north.
The community of Walnut Grove was settled
in 1849, with its first church-related school opening in
1859. It was not until 1923, that the first high school
was constructed on the present site.
Due to a fire, the original school building
was destroyed. The present one-story brick building was
constructed in 1941, with an additional four rooms in 1951,
and four more again in 1957. In 1961, a new addition housing
a lunchroom, home economics department, agricultural department
and dressing rooms for athletics was built. A band room
was erected in 1976 and additional gymnasium in 1985. Nineteen
ninety-one brought an additional athletic facility. In 2000,
a building housing a library, science classrooms, and office
space was completed. As of this writing (May, 2004) plans
are underway to demolish the 1941, one-story brick building
and erect a new modern facility to accommodate West End
High School students for years to come. In the meantime,
students will be educated in 12-14 portable classrooms set
up in front of the building site.
The school has been directed by five principals:
Roy W. Camp. 1966-1970; Robert Cartrett, 1970-1975; Avery
Thrasher, 1975-1993; Curtis Whited, 1993-1998; Terry Foshee,
1998-present.
The school has always been a focal point
in the community. West End has provided an atmosphere for
learning at all levels. Because of its size, everyone gets
to know everyone else. Students get special attention and
are less likely to “get lost in the crowd.”
The patriotic spirit of the school lives
on, as many fond memories continue to be made. Hopefully,
many future generations will be allowed to experience the
education West End has to offer.
(written by Carolyn Garigues Lee, Teacher
1965-2000, edited)
