Type Public Established 1885 Principal Lita Gattis Phone +1 501-778-3288 | Motto Home of the Panthers NCES School ID 050296000063 Faculty 68.15 (on FTE basis) Number of students 1,100 Colors Grey, Maroon | |
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Similar Bryant High School, Springhill Elementary School, Benton Middle School, Bauxite High School, Salem Elementary School | ||
Benton High School is a public high school located in Benton, Saline County, Arkansas. Benton High School is a member of the Benton School District.
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History
In 1885, a public referendum established the Benton School District within the county wide system. In Saline County in 1889, there were about 4,700 students, 62 teachers, and 50 public schools. In addition, there were several private schools in the county. After 1900, smaller neighboring school districts were consolidated with the Benton District, making it possible to have a larger and better teaching force, improved equipment, and longer terms. However, it was not until the 1920s that children were required to attend school. Starting in 1928, rural children that did not have access to high school courses were allowed to transfer to Benton High and were not charged tuition. The Great Depression of the 1930s created a financial crisis in education, causing Benton school teachers to work for several years at almost half pay. In 1930, Hill’s Business College of Little Rock was established at Benton High School, where citizens of Saline County could take night classes. School enrollment grew during and after World War II.
Academic programs
Benton High School has been consistently recognized for its academic excellence including selection in the U.S. News & World Report America's Best High Schools. In addition, honors received include:
Extracurricular activities
The Benton High School mascot and athletic emblem is the panther with maroon and gray serving as the school colors.
Athletics
For 2012–14, the Benton Panthers compete in the 6A Classification within the 7A/6A South Conference as administered by the Arkansas Activities Association. The Panthers participate in football, volleyball, baseball, basketball (boys/girls), bowling (boys/girls), competitive cheer, cross country, football, golf (boys/girls), soccer (boys/girls), softball, swimming & diving (boys/girls), tennis (boys/girls), track & field (boys/girls), and wrestling.
The Panthers have captured several state championships, including:
Notable alumni
The following are notable people associated with Benton High School. If the person was a Benton High School student, the number in parentheses indicates the year of graduation; if the person was a faculty or staff member, that person's title and years of association are included: