County of Onslow issued the following announcement on Feb. 6.
Celebrating Black History in Onslow County – The Trent River Oakey Grove Missionary Baptist Association founded Onslow County’s only black high school, beginning classes in 1908.
The charter for the school, the Trent River Oakey Grove Collegiate and Industrial Training School, was announced on December 6, 1909.
The nonsectarian private school originally encompassed grades 1-11 and was supported by tuition and contributions from teachers, PTA groups, and other donors.
In May 1919, school officials deeded the buildings and two and a half acres of land in Jacksonville to the county, “for the purpose of education of the children of the colored race and for that purpose alone.”
By the early 1930s, the need for a high school was evident; funds were received from the Federal Government and the new Georgetown High School was constructed for $30,000. In 1966 court ordered desegregation was set to close the high school; on May 30, 1966, an explosion and subsequent fire destroyed the gymnatorium and seriously damaged the rest of the school.
John W. Broadhurst became principal in 1937 and led the school through nearly three decades of growth and excellence.
Under his administration Georgetown High School became the first high school in the Onslow County Public School system to be accredited.
The school’s illustrious history is still remembered and appreciated by its numerous graduates who assemble each year for a reunion.
Original source can be found here.
