Our History

A brief history of Sparta High School

Sparta High School Scholarship Fund originated from the 2014 SHS Reunion. Several former students of Sparta High School organized and planned a school reunion consisting of those students, faculty, and staff who attended Sparta High School between 1965-1973.

In 1965, significant history unfolded in the Hancock County School System. Sparta High School was integrated for the very first time to bring about change in the segregated schools of Hancock County.

It was believed by local black leaders that there were injustices in the Hancock County School System between the two segregated schools (Hancock Central High School and Sparta High School). Over the next few years, there were demonstrations and threatened boycotts of local merchants. Subsequently, approximately one hundred black students were transferred from the all-black Hancock Central High School to the predominantly all-white Sparta High School. 

The federal government mandated that Hancock County desegregate its public schools in September of 1970. By this time, most of the white students and faculty at Sparta High School had left to attend the newly built private John Hancock Academy. Sparta High School doors were eventually closed in 1973.

In 2014, the Sparta High School Reunion incorporated the theme: "Cherish the Past, Celebrate the Present, and Commit to the Future."  The SHS Scholarship fund was originated from this theme. Its main goal is to leave a legacy for students in Hancock County to always remember the history of the desegregation of Sparta High School and to give back to the Hancock County school system by awarding a deserving student(s) who wishes to attend college the Sparta High School Scholarship Award.