Did you know...?
Before George Fish School, the colored students of the Fort Mill area community attended The "Old Academy" located at Bank and Academy Streets.
The "Old Academy" was destroyed by fire in 1924 (circa). New construction began on another school on Steele Stree in the colored community. Its doors will open in 1925 with a new name, "George Fish School."
Who is George Fish?
An Enlishmen and Superintendent of Spring Mill, Plant numbers 1 and 2, he took an interest in the construction of the school. Mr. Fish is credited with getting a quality building structure of brick exterior. Mr. Fish's interest, concern and steadfast advocacy persuaded City Officials to change the exterior design from wood planking to brick veneer like the "white school." The school was named for him due to his interest in the construction planning. Mr. Fish was born in 1868 in England. A 1920 South Carolina Census Bureau report indicates his employer as Springs Industries with a position of general manager. He is married with a daughter, son and nephew in the household. He was 65 years of age upon his death (1933) in Green County, North Carolina.
Professor Elliott Littleton Avery was appointed principal of George Fish School in 1925 and will serve until his death in 1938. He was 58 years of age. His funeral was held in the school's chapel (auditorium). He was buried in front of the school and his headstone simply read "EDUCATOR", "Loved and Respected."

Professor Avery taught 7th, 8th and 9th grades.
Professor Lemuel B. Moore, former Emmett Scott School principal becomes George Fish School's Chief Administrator in 1938 (1938 - 1947). He is the second of three Professors to serve as principal to the school. Professor Moore plans a trip (1938, circa) to Columbia, SC and meets with State Officials and successfully gets approval to expand the curriculum at George Fish School to High School level.
Class of 1941 celebrates history for being the first high school graduating class at George Fish School.

The Graduates are:
Mildred Faulkner , Marion Gilmore , Joe Harris , Helen Mackey and Irene Patterson

On August 11, 2007 a historical monument to the George Fish School will be unveiled to the public. The ceremony will be held at 401 Steele Street, Fort Mill, SC at the old school site. For more information about this horstoric event contact:

The George Fish School Committee

P.O. Box 1034

Fort Mill, SC 29716.