Martin County High School merger now complete, set for new year

MARTIN COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) — The high school merger between South Creek High School and Riverside High School into Martin County High School is now permanent.

After having numerous public high schools, the county is now down to just this one. They are expecting the school to have more than 700 students for this upcoming school year.

“I’m sad to see this go,” Kay Peele of Williamston said of the old name of the school. Peele had two children graduate from South Creek and she said it’s unfortunate to see it go but she also understands. “I feel like it was the best interest for all the citizens here in Martin County,” she said.

The Martin County School Board voted to merge the schools a few months ago due to a teacher shortage. Without it, school officials said students would have gone all year with a substitute teacher.

“We want all of our children to have the best and we realized after scheduling that if we merge, every child could have a teacher in their classroom,” Martin County Schools Superintendent Michelle White said.

So this year is the official start of a new era. Freshly-painted white walls now cover up what used to be Riverside.

“Our team has been working so hard over the summer. We’ve painted the whole school, we’re working on branding,” White said. “We’re putting up all new artwork, so we’re gonna make sure our students are welcomed back to a beautiful building.”

She said with the merger comes additional course options and activities for the students. “We’ve recently expanded our CTE program. We’re gonna be offering welding H-VAC, construction, and so many wonderful additions for the new Martin County High School,” White said.

The new home of the Gators will open Aug. 26 and White hopes all students come excited and with a smile. “We’re excited to welcome our school back to Gator country,” she said.

School officials said they expect a bright school year and are hoping to make a difference.

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