Knitted tightly together with the history of Western New Mexico University is the development of the Silver City High School.

Although the first official public school opened in Silver City in 1874, for children between the ages of five and fifteen, it was not until 1918 that a high school was instituted. In 1916, one class graduated.

World and community crisis, such as WWI and a smallpox and influenza epidemic challenged the attempts to keep the school alive and won. Students were assimilated into the Normal School, which was established in 1893.

From its inception in 1898, the Training School Department of the Normal School offered an alternative to Silver City youngsters. By 1910 a full twelve years of education was available as a part of the Normal Training Program. In 1914, classes which had been shared by advanced students were separated. This separation fostered the foundation of the Silver City High School. One hundred and fifty-four students were enrolled.

Following the legislation changing the name of the Normal School to New Mexico State Teachers College, the high school became known as Teachers High School. The Colts became the name of the high school teams. The traditional school colors of purple and gold were continued. The “Maguey” served as the yearbook for both college and high school.

In 1925, regents voted to make the high school a “strictly separate and distinct” department of the school. John Amy was appointed principal and served until 1947.

The high school, in 1926, became Grant County High School and as such, total responsibility for all secondary education for youth in Grant County was given to the college. Busing students from Mimbres, Tyrone, Fort Bayard, Central, and Pinos Altos areas required seven busses.

Night football games became popular in 1932. The high school Colts won the first high school night game played at Lordsburg, defeating the Lordsburg Mavericks 7-0. Lights were not installed at Silver’s field until September, 1939.

During the depression the financial burden of maintaining the high school was oppressive. In 1932, the state dropped the budget from $42,288 to $31,000. In 1934, the high school was accredited. Only 34 of 155 high schools in the state of New Mexico were accredited. Growth of college and high school enrollment was such in 1934, that it was no longer possible to have combined assemblies. In 1935, 52 diplomas were awarded to high school graduates.

Building developments and remodeling campus buildings temporarily solved the over-crowding caused by the continued growth of the college and high school. In 1937, plans were adopted by the Chamber of Commerce, the county and local governments to build a high school as “good as any in the state.” Plans for a high school to accommodate 600 students were drawn up by E.M. Kolben.

Although the high school amendment, which would fund the construction of a new building, was defeated at the state level, funds were obtained from other sources. All, who had attended classes “in an old building that shivered with vibrations when students walked across the floor,” rejoiced when Governor Tingley approved the sale of bonds.

High school students in Wallace Stout’s math class used his textbook Usable Mathematics to determine how much ground would have to be moved before construction could begin.

On March 27, 1934, the new building was ready for occupancy. It was considered one of the outstanding educational facilities in New Mexico. Many cultural events were held in its auditorium rather than Light Hall.

In 1949, State Teachers College became New Mexico Western College. Concurrently the name of the high school was changed to Western High. It continued by that name until 1960 when it was placed under the authority of the Silver City Board of Education. The 46 years of a mutually advantageous affiliation between New Mexico Western College and the High School ended. Elmer Grounds Jr. was named the first principal. In 1966, the new high school building, at its present location, was dedicated.

In 1983, as WNMU celebrated its 90th anniversary, the High School building at the University was demolished. Alumni stopped to watch and reminisce with teary eyes.

As WNMU celebrates its centennial, it is well to recall the relationship of the educational institutions in Silver City. Best wishes to Silver High as it celebrates its homecoming on September 17th.