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The principals of James River High School and Lord Botetourt High School presented plaques of appreciation to both elected boards in Botetourt at the Football game on Friday, Aug. 28. Members of the Board of Supervisors sans Don Meredith from the Fincastle District, and included County Administrator Jerry Burgess were on the field to receive the thank you. Beside them stood the School Board members. In 1959, the two schools, along with then segregated Central Academy, opened to high school students. Prior to that, high schools were community based in Fincastle, Colonial in Blue Ridge, Troutville, Buchanan, Eagle Rock and Cloverdale.

School Superintendent Painter, though retired by the opening of the two high schools, was instrumental in getting the Botetourt County two high school system in place before he retired, but could not have done so without the cooperation of the elected boards in the county as the funding sources were county based.

Central Academy would remain as a segregated school first grade through high school for a handful of years before desegregation merged African American students into the school system. Central Academy became a middle school in the late '60s under the name Botetourt Intermediate School and continues as a middle school returned to its original name.

Principals Jamie Talbott from James River and Tim Bane made the presentations prior to the kick-off. Both schools will have 50 year celebrations. On Sunday, Oct. 11, James River will hold a carnival and tours at the school. Lord Botetourt has a series of events. Lord Botetourt is still seeking homecoming kings and queens for the 50 year homecoming celebration on Oct. 9. They also have 50 year shirts on sale at the main office at the school.

Throughout the history of the two high schools a friendly rivalry has existed in sports. In 2009, Lord Botetourt is about twice the size of James River due to population growth in South County and is a 2A school. James River is a single A school.