“Named after the Surratt family,” a name synonymous with local history. This is Surrattsville High School. This school stands as a testament to time. It is a place where history meets the future.
Surrattsville High School has evolved since its humble beginnings. The school started shortly after the War between the States. Its original colors were blue and gray. This symbolized a nation in recovery.
In 1906, Surrattsville became the second high school in Prince George’s County. The budget was a mere $400 per year. However, the school needed more than just academics. It needed a stable for horses and buggies. Outhouses were enlarged. A new pump and well were installed. The campus even expanded for baseball.
Early on, the curriculum was quite diverse. Manual training was introduced. A military organization was established. French was taught. A commercial department was authorized. Later, domestic science and agriculture gained emphasis.
Imagine cleaning your teeth outside using collapsible tin cups. This was a daily ritual. It focused on health habits. Another sought-after task was lowering the flag. The lucky student got to leave class early.
The custodian had a memorable trick. He would tell children a bear lived in the basement. He made growling sounds by shoveling coal. Lunchtime games included “Fox and Dog”. “Prisoner’s Base” was also popular. The school bell could be heard a half-mile away.
After World War II, a new senior high was built. The original site became a junior high. A new elementary school was also built.
In 1907, Blanche Hurtt became the first graduate. By the 1950s, Surrattsville High School had transformed. It was no longer a small frame building. It had become a school on a hill. Transportation was furnished. Hot lunches were served. Athletics played a big role. Many activities were available.
Today, Surrattsville High School is a modern institution. It is equipped with classrooms and a gymnasium. It has an ultra-modern cafeteria. The school colors have changed over the years. They went from blue and gray to blue and gold. Then, they changed to maroon and gold. Finally, they became green and white. The yearbook has been called “The Boomerang” since 1946.
Surrattsville High School reflects the past while embracing the future. The school strives to be one of the best educational institutions ever. With dedicated staff, this goal remains within reach.