HISTORY OF RUCKER-STEWART MIDDLE SCHOOL

The original school, Union High School, was completed in 1950.  It was the first high school in the county established for the education of African-Americans.  In 1970, the school changed from a high school to Union Seventh with Harvey Foster serving as principal.  Two years later, Tom Bruce became principal.  In 1974, the sixth grade was moved from Guild School, and the name was changed to Union Sixth.  Andrew Turner, the current principal, was appointed in 1977.  Under his leadership, the school was renamed Rucker-Stewart in 1978 to honor two distinguished African-American educators and principals, Dr. J.N. Rucker and          Reverend R. A. Stewart.

Rucker-Stewart has been widely used as a community resource.  The building was made available for recreation in the summer and free breakfast and lunch were provided.  Reunions, forums, and other community activities were held at the site.  Parent-to-Parent, SUCCESS for teenagers, AIM(Achievement in the Making), and Tuesday-Thursday School for at-risk teens were a few of the programs in which the teachers and community were involved.  The PTO also organized carnivals and charitable fund-raisers at the school.

In 1994, a groundbreaking ceremony was held to begin construction on our current building.  Among those present were the widows of Dr. Rucker and Reverend Stewart.  In August of 1995, the new Rucker-Stewart Middle School opened for sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students, beginning a new era in exceptional education.  Today, we have 603 students enrolled at Rucker-Stewart Middle School.