The History of White Heath Academy High School
White Heath (population 290) is located in the upper southeastern portion of Illinois in
the northeastern portion of Piatt County. Interstate Highway 72 runs just north of town and offers an exit ramp that
allows you to visit White Heath. The town was originally located on old Route 47 which is now known as East Mead Street.
Meridian Road also passes through town. White Heath is located about 15 miles west of Champaign.
According to a Wikipedia article, the town has a plaque which offer some limited history information. The
basic statement reads that White Heath is named after two men, one named Mr. White, and the other named Mr.
Heath.
"July 15, 1893 - On
July 12 work began on the new White Heath School. Many called this The Academy. White Heath got two years of high school.
- After the Academy was built in 1893. The class includes grades
3 though 10. No doubt their two year high school reached its zenith under the leadership of Mr. Alfred Ewington."
We know that White Heath High School offered a two year course of study beginning in 1893. Another portion
of the article discusses a school reunion formed in 1903, so the school was still going strong after 10 years. This is the
extent of information we currently have.
Our best guess is that White Heath High School lasted through the 1930s, possibly into the 1940s. We know
that the children of White Heath today attend high school in nearby Monticello. We also know that White Heath continues to
support a grade school for grades 2 and 3 for the Monticello School District. Another article located on the internet stated
that when WHite Heath did support a grades 1 - 8 school the team mascot was the "Indians".
White Heath High School Quick Facts
Year opened: 1893
Year closed: 1930s/1940s
(?)
Consolidated to: Monticello High School
Team nickname: "Indians" (?)
Team colors: ??
School Fight Song: ??
