Ouachita Parish High School, founded in 1894, holds the distinction of being the oldest school in northeast Louisiana.[2] Over its long history, the school has occupied four different buildings, with the second location being registered on the National Register of Historic Places.[3]
The first Ouachita Parish High School was established in 1895 between St. John and South Grand Streets in downtown Monroe, near the Ouachita River. Later, a new three-story building was erected, which was constructed in stages between 1924 and 1937. In 1957, primary and middle school classes were relocated from the original 1890s building, which was subsequently used for storage before being demolished in the early 1960s to make way for Interstate Highway 20.[4]
The school's current location, at 681 LA-594, was completed in 1986 in Millhaven.[5] The original building is now the Ouchita Grand Plaza, a senior housing complex.
Athletics
Ouachita Parish High School's athletics teams compete in the LHSAA. The Lions participate in district 2-5A and Louisiana 5A.
Football
Ouachita's football team has achieved significant success, winning the state championship in 1989 and finishing as runner-up in 1941 and 1994.[6] The rivalry with West Monroe High School is famously known as the "Rebel-Lion" rivalry, referencing the mascots of the two schools, Rebels and Lions.[7] In 2021, Ouachita Parish High School's football team ended West Monroe High School's twenty-seven-game district winning streak by defeating them 35–34 in double overtime, a significant achievement for the school.[8]
Championships
Football Championships
(1) State Championship: 1989
Dance team
The Ouachita Dandylions is the dance team representing Ouachita Parish High School. The Dandylions participate in state competitions held annually in Lafayette, Louisiana.[9]
Band
The Pride of Ouachita Marching Band is one of the high school marching bands in the Monroe-West Monroe Area. In 2014, the band completed its 11th year of receiving all superior ratings in competition and was awarded "Overall Best Band in Class" for four consecutive years from 2010 to 2014.[10]
Notable alumni
Monti Sharp (Class of 1985), Emmy Award-Winning Actor
William Derwood Cann, Jr. (Class of 1937), World War II lieutenant colonel and mayor of Monroe from 1978 to 1979
