In the mid 1970’s Yancey County’s board of education made a decision to consolidate two county school districts to form a single high school. The move was a seismic shift for the students and residents of the two districts, whose athletic rivalries and separate traditions had defined their identities for decades. While proponents promised better facilities, a wider array of courses, and increased funding for the new, larger institution, many parents and alumni feared the loss of local identity, which had long served as the heart of their respective communities. And, in 1976, Mountain Heritage High School was born. The consolidation of students from East Yancey High School and Cane River High School, who were once fierce competitors on the football field and basketball court had now become teammates, and required old traditions to be retired in favor of new ones. With the first blended graduating class in 1977, many seniors still had many friends and memories from their previous three years in their respective schools. For the past three years a group of alumni has been gathering on Saturday evening of Craft Fair weekend from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the Ray Cort Park to enjoy some food, fellowship, memories and reminisce about days gone by. At our last gathering, we decided to open it up to all alumni of Yancey County. So, if you are an alumnus of Mountain Heritage High School, East Yancey High School, or Cane River High School, and are not on our current email list, and would like to be informed of all future annual gatherings, please submit your name, year you graduated, and from what school, to the following email address: acctmspt@gmail.com. Let’s keep Yancey County united and strong.
