About LCTS CHHS Reunion

 In 1876, a school for Black children commenced its sessions at what is now St. Stephen AME Church in Leesburg, guided by Reverend S.A. Williams. By 1882, the school relocated to the present site of Mount Olive Progressive Baptist Church, and then to another building on Mike Street, both of which were ultimately destroyed by fire. After several relocations, the community resolved to establish a permanent location for the school, collaborating with Lake County Schools to acquire land. This land was purchased on March 10, 1921, leading to the establishment of Lake County Training School. Founded in 1922, the school started with fewer than 100 students and five faculty members. The first high school class graduated in 1933, with enrollment having grown to 300 students. 

 In 1933, Lake County Schools purchased 36 acres for a new high school. In 1954 Carver Heights was opened at this new location, and continued to serve the community until 1968, when actions by the Federal courts forced white community leaders to allow black students to enter the same schools as white students. In 1962, Johnson Junior College was created simultaneously with what is now Lake-Sumter Community College, which was created for white students and initially located at Leesburg High School. Johnson was designated for black students, who met in the buildings of Carver Heights. All the black high school students were sent to Leesburg High School, and Carver Heights was repurposed as a middle school. When the black schools were merged, much of the black faculty was retained, often with reduced responsibilities.