Cherokee Highschool turns 70 and Prepares for the future.
The doors of the beloved Cherokee High School opened in 1956. Situated on Marietta Highway near the bustling Downtown Canton, it has welcomed students from all throughout the area for several decades. Now in its 70th year, the school looks forward to a brand-new building, whose doors will open next August.
When Cherokee first opened, it was home to just 821 students. Today, the school has grown to host over 3,000 students. With programs in every sport, a high level of AP program participation, dozens of clubs, and more, Cherokee continues to offer students a wide range of opportunities. As the most diverse school in Cherokee County, it serves as a mosaic of students with different backgrounds and interests. “Our students and staff are second to none,” Principal Andy Hall said when asked what stands out most. Student and faculty alike are bustling with excitement for Cherokees 70th year.
As Cherokee celebrates this major milestone, Mr. Hall views it as both a farewell and a new beginning. His goals for the year extend beyond day-to-day leadership; they include honoring the legacy of the old building while preparing students and staff to carry Cherokee’s spirit into a new chapter. This year’s celebrations include a series of events that invite both alumni and the community to reflect on Cherokee’s history—such as school tours, special recognitions for different groups and eras at football games, and a commemorative video highlighting stories from Cherokee’s colorful past. A “70 Years of CHS” Facebook page has also been created to share updates and invite participation in the festivities.
Yet, for every bit of energy dedicated to honoring the past, Mr. Hall emphasizes that an equal amount is focused on the future—on ensuring that the move into the new building next fall is marked by growth, excellence, and a renewed sense of pride. “The main focus is on elevating the excellence at Cherokee so that the growth and progress we always seek continues to be our priority as we move to our new building,” he remarked.
The new campus will be 473,761 square feet and designed to accommodate 3,000 students. It will include 152 classrooms, a 1,000-seat auditorium, and a 4,500-seat football stadium among its features. “I’m looking forward to many generations of Cherokee High School students being educated in this new state-of-the-art high school,” Cherokee-educated school board Vice-Chair Patsy Jordan said.
With its long legacy and exciting plans for the future, Cherokee High School continues to represent the heart of the Canton community, honoring its past while building a foundation for generations to come.
Written bye Madeline Flournoy
