School history

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by Mia Lowin, Reporter

Some students wonder what Jim Thorpe High school was like in the past. It would be interesting to know more about the roots of the school that students attend. There are accomplishments that students should know more about. The history behind the name of the town and school are also very important facts that prove to be of interest.

This history can start with the teachers. One of the former principals who worked at this school is Mr. Pfingstler. Mr. Dave Althouse is a teacher who has been working in the high school the longest. Mrs. Schlecht, a paraprofessional in the library, has been a staff member here for about twenty three years.

“I have been working full time for the district for 23 years,” says Mrs. Schlecht.

People have been known for some big accomplishments in the past. One of them was when a former student, Paul Vathis, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1962 for a picture he took of President kennedy and President Eisenhower walking together after the Bay of Pigs. There is even a picture hanging of it in the school library.

“Having Mr. Paul Vathis, a former student of JTASD, winning this Pulitzer Prize has been a great accomplishment for the school,” says Mrs. Schlecht.

The biggest part of Jim Thorpe High School’s history is obviously about Jim Thorpe. If students did not already know, the school is named after James Thorpe, the Olympic athlete. The town, before it was named after Jim Thorpe, was Mauch Chunk. At the time, there was East Mauch Chunk High School. Jim Thorpe is a very important figure representing the school because he had a very big part in the Olympics in 1912, winning gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon. The High school’s mascot, Herc, is supposed to be a Greek Olympian from Mt. Olympus.

“The school is named after famous Olympian and athlete, James Thorpe,” Mrs. Schlecht, said.

From prior students, principals, and accomplishments, this is what makes the school what it is today. The history for the school is what gives the school character. Jim Thorpe’s school history is very important for the reputation of the school.

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