Roswell High School Celebrates 185 Years with History Wall Unveiling

Roswell High School recently dedicated a History Wall in the Roswell High School Atrium, which celebrates 185 years of education over three campuses and six schoolhouses. The project, titled A Flight Through Hornet History, has been produced with guidance from Roswell Historical Society. The collaboration of the Historical Society and Fulton County Schools Teaching Museum with the Hornet History Committee was crucial to this project.

“The history wall coming to fruition means a great deal to me. It is a huge piece of the puzzle. I do believe it is onward and upward,” said Roswell High School Principal LaToya Miley. “We have now created a visual map of our history. Our students will make connections to people and to a place they call their second home. I believe it is necessary to reteach our history and traditions, for all Hornets, students and alumni to internalize and share.”

Brand developer and graphic artist Pam Nitzken designed A Flight Through Hornet History to tell a story, which is the final and most important element of Roswell High School's brand identity.

“The magnitude of designing a history wall for such a beloved institution was not lost on me,” Nitzken said. “My journey with Roswell Historical Society, Fulton County Schools Teaching Museum, Georgia Archives, Atlanta History Center, Roswell High School administrators, the Hornet History Committee, Create Graphix, alumni, staff and students was one I would not trade. I hope every visitor will connect with the wall and feel the spirit that runs through it."

Roswell High School was established in a two-room cabin in October 1838. The school for elementary and high school-aged children of the village at 791 Main Street (now Mimosa Boulevard) was deemed "The Academy" and eventually the "Roswell School." The City of Roswell was originally part of Cobb County.

When the city was annexed into Fulton County in 1932, the Roswell School became part of the Fulton County School System (January 1933). In 1954, the elementary and high school students were physically separated when Roswell High School (eighth to twelfth grades) moved to its second campus at 1131 Alpharetta Street (currently Liberty Lofts.) In 1990, Roswell High School moved to their third campus and current home of the Hornets at 11595 King Road.

A Flight Through Hornet History tells Roswell High School’s 185-year story honoring students, staff, the town, county school systems and education in the state of Georgia.

A limited number of invited guests were on hand for the unveiling, including current and former Roswell High School principals, Fulton County Schools officials, City of Roswell officials, notable students and alumni, Roswell Historical and Fulton County Schools archivists and other special guests.

A Flight Through Hornet History is on permanent display in Roswell High School’s Atrium. The school is planning a fall event, possibly to coincide with homecoming, that the public will be invited to attend. Follow Roswell High School on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @roswellhighsch for more information.