In the late
1700's and early 1800's Robert Rogers conducted Newport
Academy, a private school providing classical education to
youth
In 1843 Newport established one of the first public
high schools in the state primarily for college
preparation.
In 1872 William
Sanford Rogers, son of schoolmaster Rogers, bequeathed
$100,000 to Newport "for the education of youth of both
sexes.... the income to be applied to the support of
teachers of the highest qualifications"
Of this, $100,000
was designated to be used to aid in the erection of a new
building to be named.
ROGERS
HIGH SCHOOL
In 1873 the new
building on Church Street was opened with an enrollment of
about 100 pupils. This building was used until 1905. It
became Thayer School, and is now the Boy's Club.
In 1874
there were 3 courses offered-college preparatory,
scientific, and general. There were no electives.
On
Arbor Day of 1889, the boys of Rogers High School formed a
shovel brigade and marched out at shoulders arms to plant
trees along outer Broadway.
Rogers has been
represented in football since 1890, in baseball since the
1800's and in basketball since 1906.
In 1905 Rogers
High School moved to a new, larger building on
Broadway.
1931 Rogers
students voted to use the coat of arms from the Rogers
family as the school symbol.
In 1957 Rogers
High School opened at the present location on Wickham Road
with an enrollment of 1,216.
The Red and
Black was first published in 1920 in the form of a
four-page newspaper.
The Newport Area
Career and Technical Center was completed in 1968.
Rogers first uniformed band was formed during the Great
Depression.
Fair
Rogers
Fair Rogers! Rogers Fair! Thy name
Shall ever stand for holy fame,
From childhood's day we've looked to thee
As up to some great deity.
Chorus
O sing! Ye sons of Rogers! sing,
Loud let your rolling anthems ring.
And royal praise to Rogers bring,
Throughout our city fair.
Words by Harold
B. Walcott, Music by H.S. Hendy