Hirschi High School - History

History

Recognizing the urgent need for a junior and senior high school in north Wichita Falls, benefactor and businessman John R. Hirschi turned over the ownership of property to the WFISD and in September 1962, John Hirschi Junior-Senior High School opened for operation under the leadership of Principal A.D. Neal. During its inaugural year, students chose "Columbia Blue" and "Scarlet Red" as the official school colors and the "Husky" as the school's mascot. Even though Hirschi never saw the school completed, his daughter, Mrytle Hirschi Ledford, remained committed to the education of Hirschi students until her death in 1994, often giving scholarships and financial assistance to deserving Hirschi students. During the early 1970s, the school surpassed its building capacity forcing construction of a new building for the junior high. The new Hirschi Junior High School, which for a brief time was called Northwest Junior High, was later renamed Kirby Junior High in honor of former WFISD Superintendent G.H. Kirby. The Husky Field House, which also houses the band hall, was constructed for the basketball and volleyball teams during the early 1980s and is unique to the area because of its tartan playing floors. In 1992, Hirschi High School became an official magnet school by adding a strong math/science based curriculum to its existing one as well as a multi-million dollar technology lab on the second floor. And in 1998, Hirschi became an IB World School and graduated its first diploma and certificate recipients in 2002. Authorized to offer the IB Middle Years Program since February 2002, Hirschi operates the program alongside nearby Kirby Junior High School. In conjunction with Midwestern State University (MSU), Hirschi introduced dual credit courses in January 2009 to be taught on campus by a MSU professor. Also, because of the school's close proximity to Sheppard Air Force Base, Hirschi has traditionally had a strong military presence from students whose parents are active or retired personnel. Hirschi is the third oldest public high school in Wichita Falls.