Sarah Scott Middle School

SARAH SCOTT JUNIOR HIGH

Sarah Scott Middle School, formerly known as Sarah Scott Junior High until 1995, honors the enduring legacy of Miss Sarah Scott—a dedicated educator whose career in Terre Haute began in 1881 and continued until her passing in 1915. Miss Scott taught mathematics and other subjects across several schools, beginning with the Fourth Ward School District. In 1884, she transitioned to the newly established Wiley High School at Seventh and Walnut Streets. Her commitment to academic excellence was recognized in 1911 when she was appointed head of Wiley’s mathematics department, a position she held until her death on August 27, 1915.

The school bearing her name officially opened on March 17, 1919, with an initial enrollment of 308 students and a faculty of thirteen. G. Lawrence Jones served as the founding principal for an impressive thirty-five years, retiring in 1954. His successor, Mr. Mark McCullough, ushered in a transformative era, overseeing an $800,000 expansion completed in February 1962. Upon his retirement later that year, Mr. Wayne Gormong assumed leadership until 1972.

Mr. Vyron Jones led the school from 1972 to 1986, followed by Mr. Carlos Aballi (1986–1993) and Dr. Sandra Kelley (1993–1999). Under Dr. Kelley’s leadership, Sarah Scott Middle School transitioned to a new facility on the same site in the fall of 1999, continuing to honor its namesake.

Subsequent principals have each contributed to the school’s growth and evolution:

• Mr. Mark Miller (1999–2011)
• Mr. Greg Gauer (2011–2013)
• Dr. Bruce Lautenschlager (2013–2015)
• Ms. Scotia R. Brown (2015–2024)
• Ms. Rachel Cox, a proud Sarah Scott alumna (2024–2025)

In the fall of 2025, Mr. Joseph Thoma became the latest in a distinguished line of principals, continuing the school’s tradition of excellence and leadership.