Lakota West Freshman Building: A Journey Through Time
This article explores the rich history of the Lakota West Freshman Building, tracing its origins from the early days of Lakota High School to its current role in the Lakota Local School District. Through meticulous research of yearbooks and conversations with long-time staff, we uncover the evolution of the building, the district, and the community it serves.
From Log Cabins to a Growing District
The story of Lakota West Freshman Building is intertwined with the history of Lakota Local Schools itself. The community’s commitment to education dates back to 1806, with the construction of a log cabin school. This early school, built on farmland acquired from John Cleves Symmes in 1797 along Cincinnati-Dayton Road, demonstrates the community's early understanding of the importance of education.
As the area grew, Union Township was established in 1823, and a network of nine numbered school districts emerged. Each district had its schoolhouse, educating children through the 8th grade. Students seeking a high school education would travel to neighboring communities like Hamilton or Lockland.
In 1916, the Union Township Centralized School was built on Cincinnati-Dayton Road, consolidating the nine districts into one building that welcomed students in 12 grades beginning September 4, 1917.
The Birth of Lakota High School
Another consolidation occurred on July 5, 1957, when voters approved a bond issue to build a new high school accommodating students from both Union and Liberty Townships. Lakota High School opened September 8, 1959, in a brand-new building on Tylersville Road, where Lakota West freshman and Creekside are now. Initially, Lakota High School consisted of just 458 students, all housed in what we would refer to today as the West Freshman Building.
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The name "Lakota" was chosen in a 1950s "Name the School" contest, won by fifth-grader Mary Mitzel. The Native American word is said to mean "allies" or "joining of friends." In 1970, the Liberty-Union School District was officially renamed the Lakota School District.
The 1960s: A Time of Firsts
The 1960s were a time of firsts for Lakota High School. The first musical was produced by students, and the first graduating classes shaped a new culture. Yearbooks from this era focused on clubs, sports, and student events, providing stats, names, and photos of student gatherings.
In 1963, the school environment and yearbook structure differed greatly from today. Homecoming lacked a theme, the faculty was small, and yearbooks contained less information about student culture. While yearbooks had fewer photos, they included more text.
The fourth class of Lakota High School had access to unique classes like General Business, Mechanical Drawing, Adult Farmer Education, Woodworking, Home Economics, and Typing. LeRoy Williams served as principal until 1965, succeeded by Fred S.
The tradition of "Ms. Lakota" began, where a group of girls nominated by peers and selected by a committee. The previous year's Ms. Lakota would bestow the role onto the new Ms. Lakota. The theatre program put on two plays, one by Juniors and one by Seniors.
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In 1967, notable classes included French, Spanish, Latin I and II, Business & Marketing Education, Accounting, and Family Living. Students could join clubs like National Honor Society (NHS), Quiz Team, Ski Club, Yearbook Club (LEGEND Yearbook), Future Teachers of America (FTA), Volleyball, Track, and Golf.
Carol Elizabeth Hanes, who also won in 1963, was named Ms. Lakota for 1968. Students could take classes including German, Problems of Democracy, and Speech & Drama.
The 1970s: Expansion and New Traditions
New classrooms, art rooms, an auditorium, and a gym were added to Lakota High School, expanding the back area of the building.
The year 1976 was noted as a trying time for students due to the Vietnam War. In 1977, the new Lakota Freshman Building (today Creekside Early Childhood) opened, and the media center and courtyard were added to Lakota High School.
Miss Lakota was reintroduced alongside "Mr. Lakota," which was given to a couple in the form of a dance. Beth Hall was named Miss Lakota, and Chris Coffing was named Mr. Lakota.
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The 1978 yearbook had a title, marking the first time a yearbook had a theme. Mark Vaccariella was named Mr. Lakota.
In 1979, school began on September 6th. A "Smoking Pit Advisory Committee" allowed students to smoke in a specified location on school grounds.
The 1980s and 1990s: Growth and Change
The 1980s introduced a new culture for students at Lakota. Friendships became family, strangers became peers, and teachers became valued mentors. Entering the 90s, Lakota had finally hit its golden years, with growing class sizes and reliable staffing to make the district a great place to be. Aside from recognition and visits from notable members of the United States Government and the Board of Education, Lakota had built a name for itself and broken the expectations of any district around them.
In the winter months of 1994, voters decided to split the Lakota District into two. The final years of Lakota High School were bittersweet, and as you will read, you’ll see how students made the most of it and embodied the Lakota spirit even through the new challenges and opportunities thrown their way.
The Mr. and Miss Lakota dance continued, with Karl Lehman named Mr. Lakota. New clubs were mentioned, including Math Club, Mu Alpha Theta, “It’s Academic,” Trivia Club, Chess Club, and the WLHS Radio Club. The radio club operated during school hours, playing music and sharing local news.
In 1981, several Lakota Board Members resigned, and Lakota HS Principal Larry Irwin announced his departure. Changes were made to the Lakota grading scale, and plans were introduced to expand the school library and gym.
The play "Our Town" was performed again, and a new club, "Students Against Drunk Drivers," was introduced. The Lakota Band premiered "Renaissance Dances" by Dr.
Before Homecoming, a bonfire was hosted for the first time, and students created a doll designed around the rival teams’ mascot.
In 1988, 2,772 students attended Lakota High School. For homecoming, each class decorated a hallway in the school to a theme. Greg Snyder was hired as the new Lakota Band Director.
Marilyn Quayle, the 2nd Lady (wife of the Vice President), visited the high school and spoke about drug prevention. Seniors helped put together a “Senior Benefit Ball,” and late arrival, known as “Senior Flex” today, was introduced for eligible seniors. The Lakota Chorale performed in Carnegie Hall.
In 1993, Lakota put on a faculty play. Lakota High School received the "Blue Ribbon Award" from the United States Department of Education. The football team won its homecoming game for the first time in four years. The front lawn of Lakota High School was made into the now-familiar parking spaces for seniors to use. This also meant parking numbers were introduced. Food chains such as Taco Bell, Spooners, and McDonald’s were no longer offered to students during their lunch bells. The Marching Band was given a new nickname, the “band-wagon,” ahead of their trip to Florida, where they performed at the Citrus Bowl. The drama for this year was “Dracula,” and the musical was “Damn Yankees.”
In 1994, based on a LHS student survey, the Legend Yearbook staff found that the average student would spend $20 each month on CDs, tapes, or records. The Lakota Chorale took a trip to Washington, D.C., for the 50th anniversary of the “Allied Liberation of the World.” The Spark newspaper was awarded the “Best of Show Award” from the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA). Lakota’s sports programs (women’s sports in particular) had a notably successful year. The Friday before Homecoming, seniors got to participate in a pep rally exclusively for their class during the first few bells of the day.
At the beginning of the year, two levies proposed by the district failed, which resulted in budget cuts being made across the district.
The Split and a New Era
Between 1970 and 1990, the area experienced a population increase of over 200 percent, leading to a surge in school enrollment. To address this, Lakota split its upper secondary enrollment in the late 1990s, building two identical high schools: Lakota West High School and Lakota East High School.
The 1996-1997 school year marked the final time all Lakota students would be under the same roof for high school. On a snowy day in February 1994, residents voted to split the district to accommodate growing attendance. Construction began in 1996. These new schools introduced many advantages and new technologies that the old building did not: for one, air conditioning could be found within the new schools.
The Lakota HS Yearbook, called “Legend,” announced they would retire the name alongside the school’s split. The name for the final yearbook, “The End of a Legend - The Beginning of a Journey,” helped signify both the end of the Legend yearbook, as well as the actual legacy that had been built inside the halls of LHS.
LHS Principal Craig Ullery became the new principal at Lakota West. The Lakota Thunderbird mascot was split as well, forming the Thunderhawks (LEHS) and Firebirds (LWHS).
The former Lakota High School building was repurposed in 1997 for a separate Freshman School where about 1,000 students attended before moving on to Lakota East or Lakota West. The first varsity football game between Lakota East and Lakota West was played on September 18, 1998.
Lakota West Freshman Building Today
Today, the Lakota West Freshman Building continues to play a vital role in the Lakota Local School District. It serves as the entry point for ninth-grade students, providing a foundation for their high school careers.
Lakota is the 10th largest school district in Ohio and the largest of all 10 public school districts in Butler County, with current enrollment of nearly 17,000 students across 23 schools.
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