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.
Turpin High School kicked off the 50th Anniversary celebrations on September 25, 2026, before the Homecoming football game. The school offered tours of the building, memorabilia displays, student performances, giveaways, student-made treats and more! Turpin's most recent principals also returned, and prior to the start of the football game, the announcer invited all graduates from each decade to stand and be recognized.
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.
Inaugural Football Season
1976 Preview
The Forest Hills Journal covered the emotion and excitement of a young Spartan football team in its August 31, 1976, newspaper, sharing that although high schools had traditionally played their first football seasons on a reserve schedule, Turpin jumped straight into varsity matchups due to the demands of the league. Despite a roster with no seniors and mostly underclassmen, there was much optimism for the team. Coach Berta shared with the Forest Hills Journal that he was confident in the athleticism of his Spartans and their willingness to learn. Plus, the booster's association was growing strong and supportive, and the talent of the cheer and band squads was quickly building Spartan spirit.
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.
First 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.
