Webster High School was a school for African Americans in Louisiana during segregation.[1] It succeeded Webster Training School.[2]
Schooling for African Americans in Webster Parish was in churches until 1922 when Schools Superintendent E. S. Richardson helped organize funding for Webster Training School with Rosenwald Schools funding. A wood frame building for the school was constructed on the eastern edge of town and it offered vocational training.[3] By 1932 Webster Training Institute had several buildings and expanded course offerings.[4]
The Webster Parish Library established in 1929 delivered books to local schools including Webster Training School.[5] A new school building was constructed for it in the 1950s.[5] [6] In 1959 a study comparing student performance in typewriting classes at the school was published.[7] A 1962 document states construction of homes was taught at the school.[8]
Willie D. Moore attracted attention and drew comparison to Satchel Paige for his pitching prowess at Webster.[9]
A Freedom of Choice plan was implemented to allow token desegregating student transfers from 1965 to 1969.[10] After desegregation in 1974 the Webster High building was used for Webster Junior High School.[5]
Webster competed in the Louisiana Interscholastic Athletic and Literary Organization (LIALO). Wolves were the school mascot. Ozias Johnson and then Lee Arthur Flentroy were successful coaches at the school.[11]
The school's legacy and history were celebrated in 2022 with a ceremony and travelling display about the school and its successful alumni.[12]