Haliwa Indian School Celebrates 50th Anniversary

1st graduation held for Haliwa-Saponi Tribal School Charter School

The Haliwa Indian School’s 50th Anniversary –Phase II was held on Saturday. June 7. The event was held on the grounds of the Haliwa-Saponi Tribal School in Warren County. The highlight of the celebration was to honor the 95 students who graduated from the Haliwa Indian School between 1958 and 1966. In addition, the five graduates of the Haliwa-Saponi Tribal School in 2008 were honored.

Certificates of graduation were designed with class photos and mascots for all 100 graduates of the school. Former and current students were awarded certificates of attendance that included an overall school photo. Also, recognition was given to the founders, leaders, staff members, and other supporters (past and present) of the school.

During the celebration, a commemorative stone setting ceremony was held to mark the 50th Anniversary of the school. The attendees enjoyed a fashion/talent show and viewed a video and power point presentation of past activities. In addition, everyone enjoyed a delicious meal. The celebration concluded with a luminary ceremony in memory of former classmates and tribal members.

Dr. Ogletree Richardson, chairperson of the 50th Anniversary Committee shared some historical data with the audience. She noted, “As we celebrate this historical event, let us remember two important dates in the history of our school. The first date is Monday, September 9, 1957 and the second date is Friday, August 4, 2000.” 

The Haliwa Indian School opened as a private school in the 26 foot x 36 foot Club building that had been built by Chief William Robert Richardson and other tribal leaders and members. The school opened on Monday, September 9, 1957, with 192 students enrolled on the first day; and by Thursday, September 12, 1957, 206 students were enrolled. Also, when the school opened, there were two teachers- Ms. Lela Jane Clark who taught grades 1-8; and Rev. Charlie D. Brewington who taught grades 9-12, and he was also the principal. In late September, Mr. Hardy Deese was employed as a teacher for grades 5-8.

The school was supported financially and maintained by the parents and other tribal members.  At the end of the school’s first year of operation, June 1958, the operating cost was approximately $ 12,000.00. The school also had seven proud graduates on June 3, 1958.

The parents and other tribal members continued to operate the private school until January 1959. At that time, the Warren County School System began operating the school. The Haliwa Indian School continued to flourish and grow, the Bethlehem School was used as a part of the school, and the enrollment went up to over 300 students.

The Haliwa Indian School closed in 1969 and remained closed for 31 years.

On Friday, August 4, 2000, the Haliwa-Saponi Tribal School opened as a K-5 public charter school and 69 students enrolled. Interestingly, when the school reopened with a principal, six teachers, and one assistant, all of the grades had their own classroom. That was quite a change from the original opening in 1957.

 When the Haliwa-Saponi Tribal School opened, the intent was to add a grade each year. This year the school had grades k-12.

The first graduation for the Haliwa-Saponi Tribal School was held on Saturday, May 31, 2008 for five proud graduates. 

This celebration marked another milestone in the history of the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe.

To plan this commem-orative occasion, a 50th Anniversary Committee was formed. In addition to the chairperson, the committee members include: Chief Ronald Richardson, Dr. Joseph Richardson, Mrs. Trina Lynch, Mrs. Connie Hedgepeth, Mr. Gideon Lee, Mr. Gregory Richardson, Mrs. Priscilla Richardson, Rev. Mac Arthur Mills, Mrs. Cynthia Silver, and Mr. Donald Richardson. Also, numerous volunteers helped to make the celebration a memorable and honorable occasion.