Have you ever heard of a school that was named after its principal? The story of W. H. Adamson High School in Dallas is just that. Standing here, right before the historic building, you can almost feel the energy of generations of students who have walked these halls. W. H. Adamson High School, formerly Oak Cliff High School, is a public secondary school that has been a part of the Dallas Independent School District since 1915.
William Hardin Adamson, who became superintendent of the Oak Cliff School District in 1901, was a teacher and a dedicated public servant. He was a strong advocate for education and believed in the power of learning to improve the lives of young people. Mr. Adamson served as the principal of the new Oak Cliff High School, which was built to relieve crowding at Dallas High School.
After his death in 1935, the school system renamed the school in his honor, recognizing his dedication to education and the community. Students were known to shower him with flowers on his birthday, hence the tradition of Flower Day. That is why the annual reunion for W. H. Adamson High School is held the last weekend in April, on or near Mr. Adamson’s birthday. After the initial building was completed, there have been renovations and expansions. Although you can see the original building today, a new building was completed in 2012. This majestic structure stands on the site of the old Oak Cliff Christian Church. Even with the new building, the original building has been preserved, and it is now a reminder of the school’s rich history. W. H. Adamson High School has a long and proud tradition of excellence. This school has nurtured countless leaders, artists, and innovators who have gone on to make a difference in the world. Today, the spirit of W. H. Adamson lives on in the students and faculty who continue to learn, grow, and achieve together, while remembering the legacy of its namesake.