The Founder of Our New Beginning

Dr. William Henry Spencer, Sr.

Dr. Spencer probably would not have ever guessed that his vision of having such an excellent school could exist in the year 2000. He began his teaching career in 1875, after twelve short years of tasting the fruits of freedom in this country. The most deprived and oppressed area was that of education because the board was not inclined to provide this opportunity to a race of people who had long before experienced physical, mental, economical and social enslavement. Such educators as our founder, Dr. Spencer, whose destiny was to lead and inspire young people, determined the new beginning which has been achieved by our school. Dr. Spencer was born on September 21, 1857, in Columbus, Georgia. His father, Henry Spencer, who was a blacksmith, raised him. He attended Columbus public school, the old Asbury Chapel, and maintained high honors. After graduation, he applied for his teaching certificate and began his illustrious career, which lasted over fifty years. During his tenure as a professional educator, he was the principal of the former Fifth Avenue School and the supervisor of the Negro Educational Department. He was dedicated to promoting efforts to improve the curriculum of these schools, and before his death, new courses in the fine arts and vocational departments were established. His biggest goal was to have an accredited high school for people of color in Columbus. Up until this time, the only option for having an education beyond the ninth grade was to go to Atlanta. Dr. Spencer faced several oppositions, including the school board and the citizens of this community, who settled for the system as it stood. Dr. Spencer's persistence triumphed, and the idea of the high school was approved, contingent upon the available funds.

To our regret, Dr. Spencer passed on May 25, 1925, before seeing his vision become a reality. Our school was erected on Tenth Avenue and was named the William H. Spencer High School in his honor. We salute you, Dr. Spencer, for allowing us to encounter a new millennium. All Hail to Old Spencer!

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The School Song

All hail to old Spencer

Thy colors green and gold

Stand as a symbol

Of our love untold

All hail to old Spencer

To thee we'll e're be true,

To watch o'er a keep you

All hail! All hail!

All hail to old Spencer

Thy beauty do we see

Here on the highway,

Strength and peace shall be.

All hail to old Spencer

We'll sing our praise to thee,

In trials and victory,

All hail! All hail!

All hail to old Spencer,

Thy sons and daughters true,

Stand now as ever,

To fight and die for you.

All hail to old Spencer

We pledge our faith anew,

To guard and protect you

All hail! All hail!

A special thanks to Mr. Mark Culpepper, our choral director, for playing our alma mater.