Greeting each other are Allen High alumnae and former neighbors (L-R) Pamela (Haith) Njoka-Obi, class of ’66, Elaine (Whitson) Hunter, class of ’68, and Rosanna (Haith) Wilfong, class of ’68.

Alumni from local neighborhoods and from across the country, graduates in classes from 1949 to 1972, gathered recently in Asheville to celebrate the academic excellence and cultural heritage of Allen High School.

By Johnnie Grant

After an official greeting by the Honorable Terry M. Bellamy, Mayor of Asheville, the 108 alumni present were welcomed by Zanie (Bristol) Davidson, Class of ’65. The “Passing the Torch” statement was given by Margaret (Young) Roberts (’65), Dolores (Hymes) Lassiter (’50) spoke on the purpose of the gathering.

Ms. Beverly Dorn-Steele (’67), introduced by her sister Sheila (Dorn) Jones (’65), presented the keynote address, “Giving Back.”

Ms. Steele is Director of Educational Services & Outreach for WTVI-TV-42, in Charlotte, NC, where she developed and implemented the award-winning WTVI “Ready to Learn” program. Her message focused on how adults should provide programs and activities aimed at empowering youth to take charge of their destiny and become the forces of social change.

“We need to introduce them to activities that help them gain self-esteem, to believe in themselves, and gain analytical and decision making skills. So, go out there and make a difference in someone else’s life whether it’s in a big or small way,” said Ms. Steele.

Allen High School alumnae sisters, Sheila (Dorn) Jones (L), class of ’65, and Beverly (Dorn) Steele, class of ’67.

In her job Dorn-Steele serves as a catalyst in developing outreach campaigns by bringing together individuals, citizen groups, civic and youth organizations, business leaders, educators, and health experts to identify common problems, share resources, and promote solutions. She has received numerous awards, both nationally and locally, and also is an active advocate for family literacy, early childhood, and multicultural education programs.

The Allen High Alumnus Footlocker Program Awards were presented to Satorria Jones, a student at UNC Pembroke, and Ethan Moore, a student at Western Carolina University. The Footlocker Program helps deserving college students throughout North Carolina and nationally.

The evening ended with a benediction by Dr. Lillie (Madison) Jones (’61).

A Brief History of Allen High School

Founded in 1887 by the Methodist Episcopal Church Woman’s Home Missionary Society, Allen High School served the African American population of Western North Carolina for three quarters of a century. The first superintendent was Ms. Alsie B. Dole, who educated both boys and girls in a grammar school and in an industrial department for girls and women. Initially, children attended school during the day, and adults attended at night. Alsie Dole also helped to found Berry Temple Church (1887), which met in the school’s chapel until the congregation was able to build its own home. In 1888, a high school curriculum was added.

The school was re-named the “Allen Home School” in 1897 by Mrs. Marriage Allen of London, England, who donated funds for a student-housing dormitory.

In 1924, Allen Home High School became a four-year North Carolina accredited high school and ended its grammar-school programs. In 1940, it joined the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, becoming one of only two high schools for black students in the 17 counties of western North Carolina to be accredited by the SACSC. Boys continued to attend until 1941, when the name was officially changed to Allen High School; thereafter the school provided secondary education exclusively for African American girls.

By 1947, the enrollment was 135 boarding and day students. The site consisted of three buildings with 16 college-educated staff. During this time the school offered an accredited college preparatory curriculum. Allen High School sent more than 50 percent of its graduates to college, some to Wellesley and Vassar.

Nationally and internationally known for academic excellence, the Allen School graduated women who blazed trails around the world. In the 1960s, President Lyndon Johnson presented a Presidential Scholar medallion to Andrea Williams, an Allen High School graduate. Another alumna was a NASA mathematician who traveled the world introducing satellite technology in her role as Communications Director for President Jimmy Carter. Jazz singer Nina Simone and 26th District Court Judge Yvonne Mims Evans were also Allen High graduates.

Allen High School graduated 1,177 students before its 1974 closing, which was due to a decrease in enrollment, desegregation, and a lack of funds. In the mid-1970s, the school site became the Allen Center, and it is presently the home of the College Place Office Park.

Allen High School Class of 1937
Allen (Home) High School, class of 1937. Pictured in the second row, fourth student from the left is Thelma (Peterson) Bristol.  Photo provided courtesy of Zanie (Bristol) Davidson.

Allen High School Class of 1965
How many family members and friends can you find in this photo?
Photo provided courtesy of Zanie (Bristol) Davidson, Allen High School Class of ‘65.