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The Shellhorn School was established in 1889.  The first residents of Shellhorn began receiving formal education in the log home of Mrs. Tom Pierson in 1889.  The Shellhorn school has a long history, 102 years before the school was closed in May 1992.  The closure was based on the economics of the Pike County School System.  This story came from The Troy Messenger in 1981 and was written by Anne Thompson.

Dreams do come true!  If you do not believe this, ask the faculty and students at Shellhorn Elementary School. 

The dream of a large, clean building, larger classrooms, more teachers to relieve overcrowded classes, teachers in areas of physical education and music, a librarian, teacher aides, and materials to use in the instruction programs are dreams that have come true at Shellhorn Elementary School.

When Governor Fob James announced that part of his educational program would be a standard school program, there were 36 schools who requested consideration to participate in the program.  A committee visited each of the schools, considering the needs of the school, interest shown in the program by the superintendent, principals, faculty, and parents, the school’s potential for improvement, and the leadership in each school. 

From these visits and proposals submitted by each school, 13 schools were selected as standard schools in the state.  After participating in the program for three years, the schools, which are rural, inner city, and urban, should have an indication of the cost of educating a child in grades K-6.

Hope was also expressed that methods and principles applied in the standard schools may be used statewide at the end of the program.

It has taken nearly two years to complete the major phase of the standard school program at Shellhorn Elementary School.  This phase is the renovation of the school building.

The building, which has housed students for generations, has once again become the focus of the community.  No longer will students have to go outside to move from room to room, to go to lunch, or go to the bathroom.  No longer will open space heaters be a threat to the safety of the students because, as a standard school, a larger and safer building has become a reality.

The carpet, freshly painted walls, improved lighting, library, open space activity area, and central heat are inviting students to live and learn in the type of environment that students deserve. 

During the time that the building was being renovated, other phases of the standard school program have been benefiting the students.  Additional teachers and teacher aides have been employed, a full-time librarian has been employed, giving the school the first opportunity to have a complete library, and materials have been ordered which would enhance the instructional program for students.

All of these benefits have provided students with opportunities that all students deserve.  The Basic Skills Team III, organized under the Governor’s plan, has worked closely with the staff at Shellhorn ever since the school was designated a Standard School.

The foresight to apply for this opportunity for the students at Shellhorn Elementary School came from John R. Key, Superintendent of the Pike County School System, and the Pike County Board of Education.

The teachers in the school had to be willing to open their classrooms and not only express their needs and desires but to follow through with these ideas and desires.  The teachers have been open to all who have worked with them for the benefit of their students.

The faculty at Shellhorn Elementary School and the Pike County School system dared to dream, but today, they have seen their dream come true.  Ask anyone who has been involved, and they will tell you that it took a great deal of work and patience to help the dream become a reality but that it has been worth the effort.

These articles can be found in previous editions of The Troy Messenger.  Stay tuned for more.  Dianne Smith is the President of the Pike County Historical, Genealogical, and Preservation Society.