Who We Are
The Sampson High School Alumni Association was started in 1973 by graduates of Sampson High School, a Negro school in Clinton, NC which graduated it's last class in 1969. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit association with the mission to create a scholarship fund for worthy youth in under-served communities and to support worthwhile community projects.
We uphold these principles in three ways:
- By awarding more up to 4 students with scholarships each year. - For more than four decades, these principles have remained at the heart of the SHSAA, enabling us to award more than $350,000 in scholarships and help more than 200 students attend college. In 2016 we established the Scholarship Endowment Fund to secure scholarship funding for future generations.
- By stressing the importance of education to elementary and middle school students. - Each year since 2012, the SHSAA has distributed over 250 backpacks stuffed with grade-specific school supplies to needy families as a part of our “Fill-This-Bus with School Supplies” program. We also sponsor an annual College Tour to expose middle schools students to colleges campuses and inspire them to pursue higher education.
- And by providing low-income housing for seniors. - We purchased the school’s campus from the City of Clinton in 1979. In 1993, we achieved a major component of our civic mission by transforming eight (8) of the school’s original classrooms into a low-income housing complex for senior citizens. In addition, our school has been designated a historic site by the North Carolina Historic Preservation Commission.
Scholarship
SHSAA, Inc. awarded its first scholarship in 1975. Since then, we have supported over 200 students in their post-secondary educational pursuits. The SHSAA is dedicated to assisting needy students to attain a secondary education and to become examples for those youngsters who follow them in life.
Preserving the SHSAA school site
SHSAA, Inc. bought the School site in 1986. We renovated one of the School buildings into 8-unit apartments to provide housing to low-income individuals. Our preservation efforts continue with the plan to renovate and rehabilitate the School into a Community Resource Center.
School Supplies
Fill the Bus In 2012, the SHSAA, Inc. instituted a program called, “Fill-This-Bus with School Supplies” for the needy. At the time, it was clear to us that many parents lacked funds to purchase new back-to-school supplies for their youngsters. Each year thereafter, we have distributed over 250 backpacks stuffed with grade-specific school supplies.
College Tours
Each year , the SHSAA sponsors a day trip to visit colleges and universities. During these visits, students have the opportunity to tour college campuses, attend admissions presentations, and have lunch on a campus. The college tours give students an opportunity to learn about academic programs, campus life, and admission requirements.
History of the Association
The impetus of the SHSAA began with the first reunion of Sampson High School graduates, teachers and friends in August 1973 and the legacy continues today.
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History of Sampson High School
It has been difficult to trace the historical development of the Sampson County Training School from the simple six-teacher structure we found to have existed during the early 1900’s to the growth of Sampson High School, which graduated its last class in 1969.
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Executive Board
We are proud of our all volunteer Executive Board. Their commitment and dedication are critical to achieving our goals and fulfilling our mission.