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Fifty years ago, Ohio County high school students stepped into the next era of education when they first walked through the halls of the new Wheeling Park High School -- and the school, its staff and its students have kept marching forward ever since.
When the school opened in 1976, it was a marvel. Three levels of classrooms across nearly 273,000 square feet of space brought Warwood, Triadelphia and Wheeling high schools together to offer new facilities, new classes and new opportunities for thousands of students.
It would have been easy for the school district to dust off its hands, use those hands to pat themselves on the back for a job well done and rest on its laurels.
Obviously, they weren’t done.
It wasn't just a constant drive to evolve the building, but it’s the most visible example. From the natatorium built shortly after the school opened to the J.B. Chambers Performing Arts Center to the Innovative Learning Center and more, Ohio County Schools and Wheeling Park administration have consistently worked to make the high school the best it can be for the students who call it home.
"I have a saying, 'Start with yes,'" current WPHS Principal Meredith Dailer said. "If someone's coming to us with a need, that's really where you need to start. You need to vet it from a positive, proactive outlook and move forward from there.
"Tackle the problems, find the solutions," she added. "If it's good for the kids, then we're going to try to make it happen."
This spirit has driven Wheeling Park High since its doors first opened, guided by leadership of principals Samuel DeFillippo, Phyllis Beneke, George Krelis, Dianna Vargo, Christine Carder, Bernie Dolan, Amy Minch and Dailer, along with assistant principals, teachers and coaches.
Wheeling Park students have long answered the call. They've captured trophy cases full of sports championships. The speech and debate team is working toward its mind-boggling 47th straight state championship. Its performing arts, from band to choir to theater, have produced outstanding shows for decades. And the list of Governor's Honors Academy participants, AP Scholars and National Merit Scholars show a steadfast commitment to quality education.
Starting today, Wheeling Park High School will celebrate those 50 fantastic years during its homecoming festivities. If you're an alumnus who can make it into town, you should carve at least a little time to join in the party. Those cheers are well-earned.