School History
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George Phineas Butler Comprehensive High School, named after a distinguished former principal of Richmond Academy, was established in August, 1960. Its service area was the rapidly growing Fleming area of South Augusta.
The first classes, comprising about 235 tenth graders only, twelve teachers and one principal, met in afternoon sessions at Murphy Junior High School until December, 1960, when they moved into the new structure on Lumpkin Road. In 1961-62 another tenth grade was added; in 1962-63, still another; thus, in June, 1963, the original sophomores formed the first graduating class.
Students themselves helped to choose the school colors of gold and white, the English bulldog as their mascot, and the name Candela for their yearbook.
Throughout the years, Butler has had several facelifts. In 1962, a new wing was added, including fifteen additional classrooms, a utility gymnasium, four restrooms, and a large teachers’ lounge. A football stadium with a seating capacity of 13,000 was completed in the spring of 1967. When the Marine junior Reserve officers’ Training Corps was added to the curriculum in 1971, two portable buildings were moved to the campus for classrooms and offices; and later, another portable was added for military supplies, and an armory was constructed next to the stadium. A portable also was added to house the chorus classes.
In August, 1981, Butler became a “comprehensive” high school and therefore took over old Augusta Tech for its technical and vocational classes. This complex, now called the “300 Building”, also provides space for the mathematics department. In 1982, a new media center and larger facilities for chorus and band were constructed.
During its brief history, Butler has progressed from a one-grade unaccredited school to a Quad-A classification (by the Georgia High School Association), an “accreditation with excellence” (by the Georgia Accrediting Commission) and a standard accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Currently, George P. butler Comprehensive High School, houses approximately fifteen hundred students, grade nine through twelve. Its a sprawling campus houses a staff of 96 faculty members, one principal and 3 assistants, all committed to the philosophy of providing the individual student with a wide variety of opportunities for learning. Basic learning skills, vocational guidance, and independent life role skills are stressed as necessary elements in preparing the students to be productive members of a democratic society.
Butler’s students and teachers have achieved many athletic, literary, military, academic, leadership, and citizenship awards. A chronological list follows:
Academic 1981 Excellence in English Award (Georgia
Council Teachers of English)
Art 1978-80 Four students had drawings published in the
Book, Historic Augusta For Kids.
1979-80 Governor’s Honors – Art
1979-80 First Place – Poster Contest Clean
Community
Athletics 1966 Boy’s State Basketball Champions
1966 Georgia Cheerleading Champs
1981 & 1982 Girls Softball Champions
Band 1976-1982 Individual honors include over three
hundred sixty –five medals for
superior and excellent rating at Solo and
Ensemble Festival. Numerous students have
been winners in the All-State Band.
Recently two students made All-State Jazz
Band. The Marching Band has won over
twenty-five trophies and the Concert Band
has been rated superior for several years.
Choral Music 1970-1982 Overwhelming representation by our
students in All-State Chorus sponsored by
the Georgia Music Educators Association,
as well as, numerous winners in the areas
of quartets, trios, soloists and pianists in the
Georgia Hgh School Literary meets. Solo,
ensemble, and large groups festival awards
are numerous also.
Citizenship Numerous awards for community service,
Such as mental Health, Cancer Crusade,
Toys for Tots, and the March of Dimes.
Leadership 1982 Teacher of Year in Social Studies; District
Star Student Winners.
Literary 1967 First place in State Literary Meet
Military Since its inception the Marine Corps Junior
ROTC Program at Butler High School has
been named three the top Junior Marine
ROTC Unit in the United States. In add-
tion it has placed second in the nation three times and third in the nation twice. It has
won the Secretary of the Navy Physical
Fitness Competition four times.
Vocational 1979 First place in State “Miss F.BL.A.” and
Numerous awards on the state level for
Business Education.
1980 First place in shorthand in the State.
1982-83
The ten-year evaluation was conducted by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
New media center opens. The new facility comprises a total of 8700 square feet and is divided into ten separate rooms. Students formed a human chain, called the “Butler Book Brigade”, to pass 15,000 books from the old facility to the new. The media specialists, along with several faculty members, also successfully completed a state-sponsored “Media Demonstration Project” designed to improve media services. Butler was the second high school to participate in this project.
Butler students won first place in boys’ and girls’ spelling in the Region 4-AAAA Literary Meet. Butler students also won first place in the essay division of the J. B. White Literary Competition.
New Music Building dedicated to Terry Gibbs. On March 23, Butler High School and the Board of Education of Richmond County dedicated the new music building in honor of Miss Terri Gibbs, a 1972 Butler graduate and a country music star.
The mathematics department offered, for the first time this year, a computer course entitled “Intermediate Basic Programming.” Students wrote advanced programs for individual teachers to use for demonstrations and computer-assisted instructional purposes.
Butler students had outstanding performances in choral, band and athletic events. The girls’ softball team won the state tournament for the second straight year, and the boys’ track team easily defeated its opponents in the region meet and sent several members to the state competition.
1983-84
Butler girls Softball Team won the 1983-84 4AAAA region championship for the third consecutive year and the defending champs for the state title for 1981-82 and 1982-83.
1984-85
Wycliffe Gordon, a senior, was one of 104 musicians chosen to participate in the All-American Band Program which is sponsored by the McDonald’s restaurants. This program was created in 1967 to recognize and reward the achievements of exceptional high school musicians.
1985-86
Beth Moore won the Optimist International Zone 11 Georgia District essay competition. Her essay on the topic of freedom won the South Augusta Optimist Club’s essay contest, which qualified for the zone-wide competition. The essay won fourth place in competition at the district level.
Christopher C. Hanks was presented with a pin from the Augusta Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution for winning the Good Citizen Contest.
Lady Bulldog Track team won 4AAAA Region Championship.
Hyung So and Christopher D. Touch won 2nd and 3rd places in the essay Contest sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary
Butler JROTC Cadets raised $640 to purchase toys for the annual Toys for Tots Program.
Lady Bulldogs Track won 4AAAA Sub-Region. They placed third in the State in class AAAA.
1986-87
Eric Hillman, Maurice Hillman and Keith Murray were selected to participate in the Georgia Music Educators Association All-State Jazz Ensemble in Columbus, Ga., Jan. 22-24.
Anita Howard was selected High School Player of the Year and was honored by Gatorade as Georgia’s Athlete of the Year. Scholastic COACH Incorporated of New York City played a role in the selection process that took place in September of 1986.
Peace Tree Planted at Butler March 16, 1987.
Melinda Parker was named The 1987 Miss Ga.-Teen State Finalist.
The Lady Bulldogs Track Team won the 2AAA women’s track meet held in Albany, Ga. setting new records all over the place. This team was anchored by the talents of Anita Howard who were an outstanding performer for her team all year long.
Boys Track won Region 2-AAA Championship.
1987-88
New Advisory schedule was put in place for the first time.
The Toys-For-Tots program sponsored through the Marine JROTC aided by the Student Council raised $1,200 for the purchase of gifts for needy children. Bowl-a-thons, shooting machines, and other fundraising ideas contributed to the success of the drive.
Fun-O-Lympics (DECA) raised $1,400 for the Shelter for Abused and Neglected Children. Under the leadership of Mrs. Julia Deraney, their advisor, The DECA organization set an example for similar groups across the CSRA.
Lady Bulldogs Softball Team won the Sub-Region and Region championships. They also won the County Tournament. In the eight year history of the tournament, Butler has won seven times
First year for High Adventure Club which was patterned after the Hephzibah High Club Activities included hiking, travel, camping, backpacking, canoeing, and all the other outdoor activities that many students do not get the chance to experience.
Lady Bulldog Softball team won the sub-region.
Monica Radford won DAR Good Citizen Award.
Football Team won Region 3AAA Championship.
Sylvester Rosier, girl’s softball coach was named Region III Coach of the Year by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association. He was Georgia Coach of the Year in each of the three seasons his girls’ team won state titles (1981-82, 1982-83, 1985-86). His teams also won five county titles, five region titles, and one sub-region title and a third place in the state. He also coaches girls’ varsity basketball. Criteria by which he was selected includes tenure, championship years and won-loss record.
Peggy Theriault, a science teacher, represented the district as a finalist for the Georgia Secondary School Science Teacher of the Year Award.
Anita Howard has been equal to the task for her four years at Butler. The senior has put Augusta and Butler High on the map as far as track is concerned not only in the state of Georgia but throughout the U. S. and even out of the country.
Anita Howard led the Lady Bulldogs to their 2nd State Championship in Girl’s Track.
1988-89
Steven Usry was elected Northeast District Y Clubs president during annual conference activities at Rock Eagle. Butler Y Club has been in existence for only one year.
Butler girls’ varsity softball team won sub-region.
Mike Williams, quarterback, was named the Region 2-AAAA offensive player of the week by the 2-AAAA Media Association. Williams received four votes from a panel of eight sport writers and broadcasters.
Five football players was placed on the 11-member 1988 all-academic football team released by the Richmond County Board of Education Department of Athletics. Quarterback Michael Williams were only repeat selection for the team. Others were center Chuck Cato, linebacker Kevin Williams, safety Marvin Marshall and offensive guard Ricky Owens.
The third annual Fun-A-Olympics raised $1,600 for the Augusta shelter for abused children.
1989-90
Seven football players placed on the 1989 Richmond County All-Academic football team. They are Calvin Collins (tight end), Kevin Williams (linebacker), Marvin Marshall.
1990-91
Butler is the only school in the county using a new computer system to teach math in the classroom. The new system called Learning Logic enables students to work at their own pace with the help of computers.
Butler band travels to New Orleans to participate in the Marde Gras parade. The band marched in two different parades, the Hermes Parade and the Endymion Parade. This was their second trip to the parade. They were invited in 1989.
1991-92
This is the 6th year that Marketing and Management students, led by Mrs. Julia Deraney, raised money for charity. They donated more than $3,100 to Augusta’s Easter Seal Rehabilitation Center.
Angela White an All-America cheerleader was chosen as one of the international cheerleaders to cheer in the Hula Bowl in Hawaii Jan.11, 1992. Angela was chosen for the Hula Bowl based on cheerleading skills, leadership ability and academic excellence.
1993-94
Butler’s Show Choir made up of 24 members was in great demand by churches, schools, and other organizations. The choir was invited by WRDW-Channel 12 to appear in their Christmas special. The choir has won many awards in region, state and national competition. Additionally, the choir has earned many excellent and superior rating plaques. Nationally, the choir has won many “Best of Class” trophies. The Choir is directed by Mrs. Millicent Mazyck, who has been its director for more than 10 years. Show Choir was organized in 1978.
1994-95
Overcrowding was a major problem with an enrollment of almost 1850 students. This large enrollment created numerous problems for students and teachers.
The Girls’ track team won Class AAAA State Track championship for the first time.
Boys Basketball won Region 2-AAAA East Championship.
Media Center was automated
Lounelle Beecher, social studies teacher travels to Russia to participate in an educator’s exchange program to assist Russian educators in procuring teaching materials and to build bridges of friendship. During the summer of 1994 Mrs. Beecher participated in a teacher exchange program in Germany.
1995-96
Building retrofitted for computers in the classroom.
Show Choir travels to St. Louis for the America Sing Festival.
1996-97
Overcrowding is still a major problem.
Lounelle Beecher was a Teacher Hall of Fame Finalist.
Construction began on the new lunchroom expansion during the summer.
1997-98
Spanish Classes traveled to Spain.
1998 – 99
Five Year Interim Report for Southern Association of Colleges & Schools was done
1999-2000
Butler High Choir performs with African-American Philharmonic Orchestra and Paine College Choir at The Bell Auditorium.
Isaac West received PQ’s Outstanding Citizen Award. This award is granted annually to a graduating senior who has made a significant contribution to the school and local community.
Art teacher, Lorenzo Williams displays his art work at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History. Mr. Williams has won many awards for his art work.
2000-2001
Christopher Green (‘96 ) received a $100,000 Fellowship from Packard Foundation for graduate studies in engineering. Chris received dual degrees from Morehouse College and Georgia Institute of Technology graduating summa cum laude from both institutions. He was 1996 valedictorian.
2001-2002
David Harper (‘03 ) was selected to participate in the National Youth Leadership Forum on Defense, Intelligence and Diplomacy from February 19 to February 24, in Washington, D. C.
Augusta State University selected the following teachers as Master Teachers: P. Clontz, R. Davis, D. Myrick, C. Pletcher, K. Starnes, P. Theriault, and T. Tisdel.
Coach Rob Johnson was Region 3-AAAA Basketball Coach of the Year.
Sabrina Cutler and Tygress Hope received top honors in the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Oratorical Poetry Contest.
2002-03
Anthony Ambroise, junior won the Red Ribbon Week Poster Contest sponsored by soldiers in Company A, 73rd Ordnance Battalion. His poster was featured in The Signal sponsored by Fort Gordon
Boy’s Basketball Team won 2003 3-AAAA Regional Champions.
Coach Rob Johnson was selected Region 3-AAAA Basketball Coach of the Year again. He also won in 2001-02.
Lounelle M. Beecher, a teacher at Butler for more than 30 years was named GAE’S Administrator of the year.
William Christopher Handy was named the American Red Cross “Youth of the State of Georgia and the Southeast/Southwest Region. The awards Ceremony was held Feb. 28 at the Metropolitan Atlanta Red Cross Headquarters.
After 25 years, Glenn Hills High School if finally going to get their own football stadium and Lumpkin Road Stadium will finally be returned to its rightful owner, the Butler Bulldogs.
TEACHER OF THE YEAR
1984-85 Robert Hopson
1985-86 Kris Walters
1986-87 Millicent Mazyck
1987-88 Peggy Theriault
1988-89 Inez Brown
1989-90 Paul Johnson
1990-91 Martha Thompson
1991-92 Stanlye Carmichael
1993-94 Jeanette Elam
1994-95 Lounelle Beecher
1995-96 John Mack
1996-97 Brenda Bryant
1997-98 Chiquita Polite
1998-99 Willie Knox
1999-2000 Keisha Stewart
2000-01 Jason Moore
2001-02 Stacy Mabry
2002-03 Michelle Adair-Pollard
2003-04 Lorenzo Williams
Star Teacher/Star Student
Star Teacher Star Student
1984-85 Lena Lane John Brinson
1985-86 Nancy Brown Melissa Padgett
1986-87 Terry Tisdel Annabelle Sammis
1987-88 Peggy Theriault Monica Radford
1988-89 Lee Carmichael DeWayne Broussard
1989-90 Martha Thompson Winston Collins II
1990-91 Jeanette Elam Jacob N. Costello
1991-92 Margaret Tyson Kelly Taylor
1992-93 Terry Tisdel Johnny Smith
1993-94 Billie Jiminez Stephen Alan Shea
1994-95 Joyce Eakin John Gilbert
1998-99 Terry Tisdel Ian Campbell
2000-01 Rick Cushman Vincent Paul Jones
