Skip to content

Bowling Green High School Groundbreaking Ceremony




Bowling Green Independent Schools held a groundbreaking on a new Bowling Green High School on Monday, May 21, 2018. The ceremony signaled the beginning of a complete rebuild of the district’s only high school, which will occur over several years and two phases of construction. Alumni and friends are invited to join with Board of Education members, BGHS and district administration, faculty and student representatives to celebrate the future home of the Purples.

 

 

The priorities of the overall construction project include:
• Removing circular walls,
• Adding natural light to all classrooms,
• Increasing energy efficiency,
• Displaying and honoring the school’s traditions and history,
• Improving traffic flow around the school,
• and providing a cutting-edge learning environment for future generations.

Phase one is expected to be completed by early 2020 and will add approximately 90,000 gross square feet to the school. The two-story structure will be built from the existing school, around the pool area toward Rockingham Lane. The first phase will add 80% of total classroom space for the project including the LEAD Academy, the Medical Arts Academy, English, math, social studies, science, special education departments, as well as band, choir, and orchestra classrooms.

HISTORY

Bowling Green High School was founded in 1908, the second public high school in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, following Louisville Male. Both public schools utilized the colors of Royal Purple and Old Gold as well as the block letter H, representing “high school.” The Purple Spirit mascot was created by Mary Alice Oliver, Class of 1950, and fellow cheerleaders. Over 20,000 men and women have graduated from Bowling Green High School since 1912.

The current Bowling Green High School building was constructed in 1970, with what was at the time, a new education format, an open-area concept with circular walls and open spaces for classes to meet. The school also housed a commons/cafeteria, indoor swimming pool, a vocational education pod, library, art and music rooms in addition to the areas for the core curriculum classes. By 1987, the school underwent a complete remodel to create walls and a more traditional classroom environment, and eliminating the open-area concept.

In April, 1998, after a massive hail storm hit the Warren County area, Bowling Green High School underwent heavy restoration. For the remainder of the 1997-98 school year, the school was unusable which required all junior high and high school students to share the junior high school building. During the morning the junior high students attended and during the afternoon the high school students went to class.

More Stories

  • Latest Issue 12 24- 1 25

    Read More
  • Editor's Letter

    As this year ends, I enjoy taking the time to reflect on the past year. This year, I took a closer look at the impact we’ve made, and I am thrilled to share that we covered over 240 events across our community. WOW! One question I’m often asked is, “What sets VIP Magazine apart?” My answer is simple: we are locals, just like you, committed to celebrating and supporting the great work happening in our community.  Read More
  • Lifeworks For Autism Appoints Joanie O'Bryan to Lead Fundraising Initiatives

    LifeWorks for Autism has named Joanie O’Bryan to the newly created role of Development Officer. O’Bryan will play a pivotal role in cultivating partnerships with businesses and individuals to secure financial support for LifeWorks and the Bridge to Independence Scholarship Fund. Read More
  • Visit BGKY Receives High Honors at Statewide Tourism Conference

    Visitors Bureau (Visit BGKY) proved the bureau is not just green, but bronze, silver and gold. Visit BGKY earned one gold, eight silver and 10 bronze awards for projects related to tourism from the Kentucky Travel Industry Association, which represents 900 members across the commonwealth. Read More