50th Anniversary
Turpin High School officially opened its doors on August 22, 1976 after many years of planning and two years of school construction. For the past 50 years, we have been proud to educate and inspire generations of Spartans. To honor the 50th anniversary of Turpin High School, festivities will take place throughout the 2026-2027 school year. Please check social media, our school newsletter or this web page for updates and celebration details.
Friday, September 25, 2026
50th Anniversary Kick Off Event
Join the Spartan community for our 50th Anniversary kick off event during Homecoming Weekend 2026, marking the beginning of a year-long celebration to honor Turpin High School's milestone. Prior to the football game on September 25, Turpin will host building tours and performances by student groups. Afterward, stay for the game as we honor our alumni and cheer on the Spartans.
More details coming soon!
A Legacy 50 Years in the Making
School Construction
The construction of the new Turpin High School building took more than two years. The photos below, taken from the 1977 Turpin High School yearbook, show the progression of construction from late 1974, when the skeletal framework was assembled, through mid 1975, when the school was constructed into larger pieces of what it would eventually become.
Opening and Dedication
On August 22, 1976, Turpin High School officially opened its doors. The dedication ceremony included important figures in the community at the time like Representative Willis Gradison, Board of Education president William Memke and Principal Gerald Chance. They helped mark this important chapter in Forest Hills history by speaking to members of the community and future Turpin students. A representative of the student body shared some words of welcome, and attendees were offered tours of the new building.
First-Ever Football Victory
The Turpin football program competed in its first matchup against neighborhood rival Anderson High School in the fall of 1976, resulting in a 20-6 victory. Despite starting its inaugural season with a 0-1-1 record, the Spartans claimed victory against Anderson and would go on to win three more games in its opening season. Turpin's win against Anderson marked the beginning of a competitive rivalry known throughout the city.
Inaugural Theatre Season
The inaugural season of the Turpin theatre department began with its production of “Our Town,” with the first-ever performance taking place on October 31, 1976. Since that evening, Spartans have made a name for themselves in the drama community, regularly putting on high-quality performances and collecting numerous awards and recognitions.
Music Performances
The Turpin music department kicked off the 1976-77 school year with a fall concert in the gym on November 4, 1976. Consisting of talent from the freshmen chorus, mixed chorus and orchestra, performances included Bach’s “Bless the Lord My Soul” and a selection from “West Side Story.” The program concluded with a grand finale by the mixed chorus, which performed “Tradition” from “Fiddler on the Roof.” The music department would go on to host several more concerts throughout the inaugural school year, and would eventually go on to contribute to the renowned legacy of music programs in Forest Hills School District.
