Columbus High School Celebrates 100 Years on Cherokee Avenue
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This year, Columbus High School celebrates 100 years on Cherokee Avenue, a century that has seen both remarkable achievements and extraordinary challenges. Since opening its doors in 1926, the building on Cherokee has welcomed generations of students who have walked its halls, learned in its classrooms, and carried the traditions of Columbus High into their communities and throughout the world. Through a century of change, including the devastating fire in 1981, the spirit of CHS has remained strong. It has also evolved through expansion, academic innovation, and a growing alumni community that continues to support its mission. Thousands of students have passed through its doors, each generation adding its own chapter to the story of CHS.
Although much has changed since 1926, there is something timeless about returning to Columbus High. Alumni still recognize the familiar halls and stairways. They remember teachers who challenged and encouraged them, friendships that began in classrooms and continued for a lifetime, Friday nights cheering for the Blue Devils, and countless moments that became treasured memories.
On October 2–3, 2026, generations of Blue Devils are invited to come home and celebrate this historic milestone together. The Centennial Homecoming festivities will begin Friday evening from 5:00 -7:00 PM at Memorial Stadium with a special alumni tailgate. Wear your Centennial T-shirt, reconnect with classmates and friends, and enjoy dinner provided by Country’s Barbeque for $10 per person.
Following the tailgate, we will head into Memorial Stadium to cheer on the Blue Devils at the Homecoming game. At halftime, alumni will be invited to encircle the field for the Homecoming ceremony and the crowning of the newest Homecoming Queen.
The celebration will continue on Saturday, October 3, when Columbus High opens its doors and welcomes alumni and friends back to the building on the hill. Guided tours will offer the opportunity to walk familiar hallways, revisit special places, see how the school has changed, and share memories of years spent at CHS. Tours will be offered every 45 minutes beginning at 9:00 a.m., with the final tour beginning at 4:30 p.m. The cost is $5 per person, with children under 12 admitted free. Space on each tour is limited, so make your reservation in advance to secure your preferred tour time.
The 100-year celebration is about much more than the anniversary of a building. It is about the students, teachers, administrators, families, and alumni whose lives have been connected by Columbus High School. It is about honoring those who came before us, celebrating the school we know today, and preserving its history for the generations who will follow.
For a century, Columbus High School has stood proudly on the hill overlooking Cherokee Avenue. Its story belongs to every Blue Devil who has walked through its doors.
As we celebrate the first 100 years and look toward the next century, one thing remains certain:
We are, as always, COLUMBUS HIGH!
Make Plans to Join Us
We hope you will come home to Cherokee Avenue and be part of this once-in-a-century celebration! Make your plans now by using the link below:
Purchase Your Centennial T-Shirt – $20
The deadline to order your Centennial T-shirt is September 11. Purchase here.
Purchase Your Tailgate Dinner – $10
Enjoy dinner from Country’s Barbeque with your classmates and fellow Blue Devils before the Homecoming game. The deadline to purchase your meal is September 25.
Reserve Your Centennial School Tour – $5
Tours will be offered every 45 minutes on Saturday, October 3, beginning at 9:00 a.m., with the final tour at 4:30 p.m. Children under 12 are free. Space is limited, so reserve your preferred tour time in advance.
Share Your CHS Memories
Help us preserve the story of Columbus High by sharing your memories of your years at CHS. Tell us about the teachers, classmates, traditions, experiences, and special moments you remember. Your stories will help us capture the history of the people who have made Columbus High what it is today.
We look forward to welcoming generations of Blue Devil!
