The new brick high school began
in the late '20's and reached completion in 1930. For the first
time the high school students had their own building. During the
30's Fife High School became known as the Judo Center of the northwest.
The school auditorium held 2 mats rather than just one. Thus,
events ended earlier in the evening. Fife High School took advantage
of this interest in Judo among the Japanese-American students.
Fife became a serious contender on the wrestling circuit with
the Japanese-American dominating the lightweight divisions and
the Swedes filling the heavier weights.In 1930 school colors were chosen and class rings were introduced. The school newspaper, The Fifonian, went from an irregular publication to a newspaper format. In May of 1938, fifty-eight students graduated. Many activities were founded in the '30's. Class play competition became quite popular. The school purchased its first "moving picture machine" to be used for the "benefit of the
student
and not a money making proposition."A new athletic field was dedicated with a win over Roy. Fife's football record began to improve with the new field and the coaching of Mr. Vinson. (Click here for more on Coach Vinson.) For the next several years Fife will have championship football teams.
In 1938 the south end of the old gym was remodeled into one large lunchroom instead
of a divided lunchroom.
With W.P.A. labor and local funds, a 4-stall bus garage and Ag
Shop south of the boiler room were constructed.In 1939 the Trojan Knights sprang into existence as a service club. They wore yellow sweaters with the Trojan Knight Emblem. The Knights help patrol the hallways, volunteer with score keeping duties during athletic events, and act as ushers for school assemblies and plays.
The Fife School District adopted the first teachers' salary schedule during the '38 - '39 school year. Beginning salary was listed as $1,200.00 a year. The following year the Board adopted a sick leave provision for school employees that allowed 2 days with pay per year.(Continue)