Newman Firsts

I came across a letter that former Board Chair, Hermie Kohlmeyer, wrote in February of 1980. In the letter, he talks of the pride Newman has with a number of "firsts." Here is an excerpt from his letter:

1. We were the first school to have a full-time nurse.
2. We had the first gymnasium in the state.
3. We had the first full-time athletic coach.
4. We were the first school in the state to have a fine arts requirement for graduation.
5. We were the first school in the state to become a member of the College Board.
6. We were the first school in the state to go from kindergarten through senior grade.
7. We were the first non-sectarian, coeducational school in the state.

He also mentions that we were one of the first schools in the south to integrate. It is a joy for me to see the pride in excellence from 30 years ago. We feel that same pride today, and I look forward to providing you with an insider's glimpse throughout the year of some exciting things we are doing at Newman to continue this tradition.