September 9, 2024 – Community members, families, and alums flocked to Dominion Middle School, formerly North High School, to celebrate its centennial milestone with a weekend full of festivities. Held in the historic auditorium under the meticulously restored chandeliers, the event showcased performances, along with moving speeches from Dominion Middle School Principal Dorothy Flanagan and Columbus City School Board Vice President Dr. Tina Pierce. Wonderful conversations surrounding the memories in this facility were also shared throughout the day.
“Today, we are honoring the legacy of public education and the lasting impact this school has had on our community,” Flanagan said. “Institutions like North High School and Dominion Middle School have been vital to the success of our community, providing a foundation for generations."
Founded in 1924 as North High School, the institution has long been a cornerstone of education in the Columbus community. Over the decades, it has evolved to meet the changing needs of its students, transitioning to its current identity as Dominion Middle School. Despite these changes, the school has been committed to providing high-quality education and presenting spaces for students to build relationships that have withstood the test of time.
"I loved North High School; it is still one of the prettiest buildings there is, and I'm glad it is still in use," said Ginger Burton, North High School alumnus. "[Being a student here] was an excellent opportunity to meet new friends that I am still friends with today, so that's almost 60 years [of friendship]."
In addition to reuniting people, the celebration highlighted the school’s significant contributions to the community, from its early days of shaping young minds to its ongoing role of inspiring future generations. Amongst the conversations, laughs, and shared memories were grand performances from the Whetstone, Dominion, and Clintonville local bands. The program concluded with an inspiring speech from Dr. Pierce that reflected on the school’s storied past, its present achievements, and vision for the future.
“At Columbus City Schools, regardless of what decade we are in, our mission is clear: to provide every student with the tools to achieve more,” Dr. Pierce said. “As we look to the future, we are committed to continuous improvement and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed for decades to come.”
Throughout the years, one thing is clear, the critical role of District and community support in the school’s continued success. The partnership between the school and its surrounding community has been vital in providing the students that have walked these halls continued success even after they left the building.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we honor the remarkable individuals who have walked these halls—World War II veterans, architects, engineers, teachers, artists, and more,” Flanagan said. “It’s not just about careers; it’s about those who have become loving parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents, passing on the values learned here to new generations.”
Looking ahead, Dominion Middle School anticipates the next century of learning; the celebration serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of North High School and the ongoing dedication to education that defines the District.
