McWhorter
HISTORY
McWhorter Elementary was built in 1944. The school is named for Burton Owen McWhorter, a civic leader from pioneer days. Mr. McWhorter had shown a strong interest in providing school facilities for the little town of Lubbock since he had settled in the area. He was one of the leaders in an effort to secure property for the construction of a new school building following a fire which destroyed the original frame building.
Burton Owen McWhorter, cattleman, was born November 10, 1867, in Denton County, Texas. At the age of twenty, along with his parents, he became a part of the pioneer migration to the South Plains. Mainly a cattleman, Mr. McWhorter is credited with drilling the first irrigation well in the county, he also helped established the first electric and ice plant. He was a member of the First Methodist Church and a leading civic worker. He was active in bringing the railroad to this county. Following pneumonia, he died February 3, 1940 and as a memorial to this pioneer leader, Burton Owen McWhorter Elementary was named for him.
Mrs. Reuby Rhodes was named the first principal, she served until the end of the 1951-1952 school year. Mr. Alfred C. Smith assumed the position until the end of the the 1971-1972 school year. Mr. Ramon Orosco was principal from 1972 through the end of the 1982-1983 school year. Mr. Bill Gonzales served as principal from 1983 through the end of the 1998-1999 school year. Mr. Luis Cardenas was appointed in 1999 and is currently serving as principal.