The National Center for Education Statistics cites that rural public schools constitute 28 percent of all U.S. public schools, educating 19 percent of the student population or roughly 9,8 million students. Washington Parish is no stranger to the impact and importance of rural schools with only four of the ten schools the Washington Parish School Board oversees located in an incorporated municipality. Once upon a time, there were community rural schools that dotted the parish's landscape. But consolidation efforts and the end of segregation saw the demise of community high schools like Enon High School, Angie High School, Wesley Ray High School, Angie High School, and Washington Parish High School. Thomas High School transitioned into a Kindergarten through 8th grade school with high school students moving to Pine and Varnado High Schools. The school is currently an elementary school serving grades PK4 to 5th with a faculty and staff of 85 employees. It has survived time and this year will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its inception.
In 1926, Simon S. Thomas donated land to build a school in the heart of the Thomas Community. He paid for and built the first school that later burned and the current school was constructed on the site. Mr. Simon is remembered by great granddaughter Mary Wood, "He was such an entrepreneur, a man ahead of his time. He saw the need for this small area to have its own school." The Centennial Celebration Committee met recently on a rainy morning in Thomas and despite the weather, they were an enthusiastic and motivated bunch. Jim Hill spoke for all when he said, "We want to give back to the school that gave us our beginning."
Committee President Mary Wood spoke of how the committee members, alumni ranging from graduations in 1958 to 1965 "melded together in love." The committee is comprised of President Wood, Devon Thomas, Devoy Hill, Jim Hill, Denny Erwin, Marion Thomas Stroud, Rodney Wood, Van Thomas, Carl Thomas, Diane Singley Thomas, Dianna Thomas, Treasurer, and Melanie Magee Knight. Most are cousins within the extensive Thomas family, and some are "double" first cousins. However, some simply grew up in the community and attended Thomas High School. Mrs. Wood also pointed out that the current Superintendent of Washington Parish Schools, Jennifer Thomas, attended the Thomas Elementary and Junior High and Pine High School.
The committee has been busy beyond planning a celebration set to take place on November 7, 2026. Brothers Devoy (Class of '61) and Jim (Class of '65) Hill donated a black wrought iron fence for the front of the school installed by Chad Thomas. They are pleased that it makes Thomas Elementary the only school in the parish with what they classify as an "attractive fence" that beautifies the campus and preserves the school grounds. The fence was not only put in place for aesthetic purposes but also for the safety of the students. The project allowed the Hills to "give back" to the school they love. Devon Thomas assisted in supervising the installation as he and the Hills wanted to be sure it was done correctly and would stand the test of time and the elements. Denny Erwin (Class of '65) was the developer of a Brick Memorial Garden located in the front of the school. Commemorative bricks are available for $100 for the first and $75 for subsequent purchases. Sean Thomas is the bricklayer and has brought experience in color-scheme and design. Mrs. Wood explained that the beautiful project is to honor former and present alumni, teachers, bus drivers, coaches, cafeteria workers, families, and any community members and businesses. Committee members are quick to point out that the memorial not only beautifies Thomas's campus but is also an emotional display of the community's significance.
The official celebration is planned for November 7, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm at the Thomas Elementary Auditorium with parking available across the highway at Thomas First Baptist Church. Letters will be mailed to all alumni at the end of August with more information. If anyone does not receive a letter, contact any member of the committee or Dianna Thomas at 985-515-9187. Attendees can also contact the school at 985-848-2881. On that note, the committee is grateful to the administration at the school who have supported this endeavor. Anthony Stubbs is principal, Anna Temples and Kim Thomas Jones are Assistant Principals and Mark Barnwell is Faculty Coordinator. Anyone interested in purchasing a memorial brick can also contact Dianna Thomas at the number listed above.
Silas Thomas could not have foreseen the impact his small school would have on his many descendants as well as those who have relocated to the area and who appreciate the legacy of Thomas Elementary. He would likely be proud of his great grandchildren and their classmates who are keeping the love for Thomas School alive well into the 21st century.
