Principal Chris Gardner, who graduated from Star Spencer, said about 90 percent of the enrollment of 500 is black. Over time the school’s population changed and enrollment decreased. Gardner said the rural atmosphere makes the school unique.
Like a family Longtime teachers said that close environment has kept them there. Ruth Ann Eckel, library media specialist, has worked at the school for 35 years. When the school has events, such as graduation ceremonies, everyone comes, she said.
"The people do revolve around the community and the school here,” Eckel said.
Janith Johnson, girls’ basketball coach, graduated from Dunjee High School and started coaching at Star Spencer in 1976. The school is well-known for supporting athletics, she said.
"This is mostly a neighborhood school. We have been totally embraced by the neighborhood for years,” Johnson said. "That’s one thing that has remained a constant over the years.”
That means teachers know everyone and are starting to teach the children of former students, said Ella Tharp, who has taught at the school off and on since 1979.
"The school is the hub of everything,” Tharp said.
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