We, alumni, parents, and members of the Staunton community urge the Staunton School Board to name the new high school Staunton High School.

Our city’s very first high school was named Staunton High School. When the current school was founded in 1926, “Robert E. Lee High School” was a segregated, whites-only institution. Today all our children attend high school together, and it is a wonderfully diverse student body that spans the racial, ethnic, and cultural spectrum. Our schools – and the Staunton community as a whole – are strengthened by this diversity. Let’s ensure all students feel welcome at our high school. Let’s promote pride in the Staunton community by giving it an embracing and appropriate name: Staunton High School.

We recognize the historic weight of a name that adorned the school for nearly 90 years, and acknowledge the strong sentiments that “Lee High” evokes for some. A name change will not – and cannot – erase this legacy. Staunton High School will continue to be an institution that residents are proud of, and where our young people learn to become valuable and productive members of society.

Let’s make our high school a space where everyone feels welcome and respected; that celebrates the diversity of our community; and that is a true reflection of our community. Change our school name to Staunton High School!