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What's in a Name? S. Arch Thompson Auditorium

What's in a name? - S. Arch Thompson Auditorium

S. Arch Auditorium Front Entrance

Dr. S. Arch Thompson was superintendent of McAlester Public Schools, retiring in 1971. He served as an official at MPS for 22 years, starting at MPS as high school principal. He was a graduate of Harper, Kansas High School. He received his B.S. Degree from Oklahoma A&M and his Master's from Kansas State College. 

During his superintendency, the new L'Ouverture school and seven new elementary schools had been erected; the junior high school enlarged; the senior high school improved and remodeled; Jeff-Lee Stadium remodeled and expanded; a new maintenance shop and warehouse acquired; and then new auditorium built. On February 23, 1964, a dedication and open house were held at the completed S. Arch Thompson Auditorium on the McAlester High School campus. The ceremonies featured an address by Dr. A. E. Shearer, president of Southeastern State College. On February 7, 1962, the board of Education voted to name the new building in S. Arch Thompson's honor.