Type Public High School Superintendent Buzz Thomas (interim) Teaching staff 106 Founded 1939 | Established 1939 Principal Dr. John Bartlett Phone +1 865-539-7800 Mascot Bulldog | |
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Motto "A Proud Tradition of Excellence" Profiles | ||
Bearden High School is a Knox County, Tennessee, high school located in the Bearden area in the city of Knoxville.
Contents
- Early history
- Changes to the school
- Football
- Womens basketball
- Track and field
- Volleyball
- Mens basketball
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming and diving
- Wrestling
- Rugby
- Climbing
- Notable alumni
- References
The school was founded in 1939. It was named for the family of Marcus De LaFayette Bearden, a farmer who served as a captain in the Union Army during the Civil War.
The current building was built in 1969, and replaced the old building that eventually became Bearden Elementary School. The current principal is John Bartlett. Bearden High School athletic teams are dubbed "The Bulldogs." Bearden's rival are the Farragut Admirals and West Rebels.
Early history
Bearden first opened in 1939, and had its first graduating class of 12 students in 1943. During this time, Bearden served grades 1-12 and was part of the Knox County school system. In 1949, grades 7-12 moved to a new location which then became overcrowded in that same year. Additions to this building were made almost every year to keep up with the rapidly growing student population. The city of Knoxville annexed the Bearden area in 1960, and thus Bearden became a city school. In the turbulent 1960s, Bearden saw many social changes. Desegregation introduced a few African-American students with little fanfare and no major incidents. These unsung pioneers were generally accepted, but still endured racist treatment. The administration had its hands full with the class of 1965, as they tried to enforce the buttoned-down dress and behavior codes of the 1950s on a group of kids rapidly falling in love with Motown, the British invasion and Peter, Paul, and Mary. The class to this day is proud of being named by Principal William R. (RAT) Turner as his worst graduating class ever. In 1969, grades 10-12 moved into the current location of Bearden High School. In 1981, Bearden added a 9th grade when Bearden Junior High became a middle school. At this time, Knoxville city schools were transferred, and Bearden became part of Knox County schools.
Changes to the school
In 1995, Bearden High School, along with all of Knox County High Schools, switched to a block schedule. The schedule is split into two semesters each with four classes lasting 90 minutes each. During the mid-nineties, Bearden experienced a major overcrowding situation; with some classes in converted shop areas and almost every classroom was used all day every day. Many storage areas and offices were being used as classrooms, and Bearden was beginning to show its age. In 1998, Bearden undertook major renovations, the goals of which were to provide more classrooms to solve the overcrowding issues, and bring the school into the present. The renovations added 30 new classrooms, a new guidance complex, renovations to existing classrooms, new science labs, and Internet capability in each classroom. Also, the school received a new heating and air system, fire alarm and sprinkler system, bell and telephone system, a math lab, an English writing lab, and a greenhouse on the second floor.
Football
Bearden started playing football in 1949 and since then has compiled a 325-325-6 record (through 2015). The Bulldogs play at Bill Young Field, which was dedicated in 2007. Beginning in the 2016 season, Bearden will play their home games on a turf surface.
Women's basketball
The current arena the team plays in has a seating capacity of 1,611 and was built in 1969.
Track and field
1975 Tennessee State indoor/outdoor State Champions.
Volleyball
8 Time District Champions 1982,1986,1990,1991,1992,1994, 2013, 2014
7 Time District Runner Up 1984, 1986, 1987, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015
4 Time Regional Champions 1985, 1991, 1992, 2012
2 Time Regional Runner Up 1987, 1990
2006 Spring League Runner-Up, 2007 Spring League Champions, 2010 Volleydog Challenge Champions, 2010 K.I.L Tournament Champions, 2011 K.I.L Tournament Co-Champions
Men's basketball
The current arena the team plays in has a seating capacity of 1,611 and was built in 1969.
Soccer
In the 2016 Season Bearden Soccer won a State Championship against Ravenwood High School, with a score of 5-2.
Softball
Bearden Softball plays at Kim Halewood field est. 2001 in the heart of West Knoxville.
Swimming and diving
The Bearden Swim Team (BEST) was founded in 1960 as a club sport. As of 2013, roughly 100 swimmers are on the team, and BEST is ranked first in Knoxville and third in the state of Tennessee. The swimming and diving team is under TISCA and KISL rules, respectively, and competes yearly at the city and state meets. Practices and meets for the team are held at UT's Allan Jones Intercollegiate Aquatic Center.
Wrestling
Team District Champions: 2013, 2014, 2015
Rugby
Bearden Rugby began in 2001, and was a founding member of the Smoky Mountain Conference of the Tennessee High School Rugby League in 2002.
Climbing
Bearden High School's Rock Climbing team practices and participates in local competitions at a local indoor gym.