February 25, 2025
By MEALAND RAGLAND-HUDGINS
Rutherford County Schools
“Since the beginning of the settlement of (Rutherford) county, Blackman has played a major role in its economic, social and historic development. The land is unsurpassed in its fertility and the people have been most enterprising.”
Bessie Lee Batey Haney wrote those words in 1976 while documenting the history of the Blackman Community Club, back when most of the community was farmland.
A little less than 25 years later, Blackman High School opened its doors and quickly became a force in the area’s transformation.
In August 2000, Blackman became Rutherford County Schools’ third comprehensive high school in Murfreesboro and the first since 1972. It has an approximate enrollment of 2,200, the third-most of all RCS high schools.
The 210 acres along Blaze Drive and Fortress Boulevard where the Blackman schools are located were previously owned by seven generations of the Smith family. Blackman Elementary and Middle schools opened in 2001 and 2002, respectively. The Smith family continues its support of all three schools.
So far, the anniversary celebration has included a three-part podcast produced by BHS Audio/Video Production classes led by Cynthia Head. Guests included former football standout Master Teague III and his siblings, the school’s original team of assistant principals and current teachers who helped open the school.
The school will host other building-level celebrations and acknowledgements throughout the year, said principal Justin Smith.
Since its opening, BHS has had four principals: Gary Nixon (2000-2004), Gail Vick (2004-2014), Leisa Justus (2014-2022) and Smith (2022-present), who joined the faculty in 2001.
Seven of BHS’ 149 educators have the honor of teaching at Blackman High since opening day. They are Donna Boyd, Gayle Dawson, Scott Lawless, Cortney Meadows, Kevin Meadows, Brenda Monson and Jennifer Stockard.
"Blackman High School has enjoyed tremendous success over the years, and that is due (in large part) to the dedication of the teachers in our classrooms,” Principal Smith said. “As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we are proud to recognize this special group of teachers who have been a part of our faculty since the school opened."
PHOTO (above): Seven educators have the honor of teaching at Blackman High since opening day. They are, from left, Brenda Monson, Kevin Meadows, Scott Lawless, Cortney Meadows, Jennifer Stockard, Gayle Dawson and Donna Boyd. Credit: Christine VanLeeuwen and Mackenzie Jackson, Blackman High School
VIDEO (below): Main Street Media TV's original show What’s Cool In School toured Blackman High School's Collegiate Academy, saw culinary students in action at Blaze Studios and heard from the marching band.