Sikeston High School
Sikeston High School, also known as SHS, is a public secondary school in Sikeston, Missouri. History. In 1868, a two-story public school building was constructed at the corner of West Malone and School Street. In 1884, this building was destroyed by a tornado. In 1885, a four-room building was rebuilt on this site and known as South Grade School. In 1900, another new building was constructed on this site. The Sikeston Public Schools system held its first four-year high school graduation commencement in 1904. In 1924, Sikeston built a segregated school to be used  only by African American students until the U.S. Supreme Court delivered the landmark ruling of Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 which declared segregation to be unconstitutional. The Lincoln School still stands in western Sikeston. The high school newspaper is known as "The Bulldog Barker" while the high school yearbook is known as "The Growler". Buildings. The Sikeston Field House, the school's home gymnasium, was completed in 1969 as a multi-purpose athletic facility with a seating capacity exceeding 3,000 persons. After a bond issue was voted on and passed by the city, the building was updated and  remodeled into a more attractive, state-of-the-art sporting arena in 1992. With improved lighting, sound and climate control, the Sikeston Field House has become a popular venue for non-athletic events as well. The Field House distinguishes itself with its large silver dome that is easily recognizable from the air. Academics. The Sikeston R-6 School District serves the educational needs of most of the city's residents and some of the nearby areas including the cities of Morehouse and Miner. Music. In 1934, Reid Jann started the High School band program. In 1940, Keith Collins (1916-1974) became  Director of Bands and Supervisor of Music for Sikeston High School. Collins stayed in this position until 1970 except for time spent in the U.S. Marine Corps including as director of the West Coast Marine Air Corps Band in San Diego. In 1955, the school started an orchestra program under James Butler and hired future Missouri first lady Betty Cooper to take over the high school choir. Collins helped design the band building built for the new high school in 1960. Collins along with LeRoy Mason of Jackson High School formed the Southeast Missouri High School Band Association. Athletics. Sikeston  High School has had a long history of excellence especially in football, boys' basketball, and baseball, sports in which they are among the state's leaders in playoff appearances. Baseball. Sikeston High School notable players: