Remember Helen Cox High School. Its story is etched in the hearts of Harvey, Gretna, Timberlane, and Woodmere. The high school served these communities. It stood at 2200 Lapalco Boulevard.
Helen Cox High School first opened its doors in 1969. It evolved over the years. Initially, it was a middle school for grades 6-8. Later, it transitioned to a junior high, housing grades 7-9. In 2004, Helen Cox became a high school for grades 9-12.
The school’s namesake was a remarkable woman. Helen Cox was the first principal of Gretna Public High School. Her legacy in education is profound.
The mascot of Helen Cox High School was Charlie the Cougar. The school colors were scarlet red and vegas gold. These symbols represented the spirit and pride.
Helen Cox High School competed in the LHSAA. Athletics were an important part of student life. The school fostered teamwork and sportsmanship.
Greg Monroe, an NBA player, is a notable alumnus of Helen Cox High School. His success is a testament to the school’s influence.
Sadly, the Jefferson Parish School Board made a tough decision. Helen Cox High School closed at the end of the 2022-2023 school year. This decision also affected Grace King High School. Helen Cox students were absorbed into John Ehret High School and West Jefferson High School.
For cousins Val Coles and Holly Williams, the school’s closing was personal. Helen Cox, the school’s namesake, was their great-great aunt. The Cox family had gifted a portrait of Helen Cox to the school in 1969. The cousins ensured that the picture was salvaged.
Principal Melanie Moore returned the portrait to the cousins. The portrait needed some care. It was later displayed at the Gretna Historical Society meeting. Val shared stories of Helen Cox and her legacy.
Helen Adelle Cox was born in Gretna in 1871. She had a sister Hilda who taught first grade for 42 years. Her brother George was the President of the Jefferson Parish School Board. He also edited the Jefferson Democrat newspaper.
Helen Cox taught math for 51 years. She was known as Miss Helen. People described her as stately and easy-spoken. She initiated the first high school classes in Gretna in 1905. In 1908, she became the principal of McDonogh Jefferson High. She remained a teacher and was the highest-paid in the parish.
When Gretna High School opened in 1928, she became its first principal. She retired in 1942 and passed away in 1967 at 95.
Helen Cox’s portrait now resides in the Ignacius Strehle House. It is part of the Gretna Historical Society Museum. This location is fitting. Helen Cox grew up next door to the GHS White House.
Though Helen Cox High School is closed, its impact remains. The memories and achievements will never be forgotten. The spirit of Charlie the Cougar lives on.