History of Hardee County Schools
"Embracing the rich heritage that is ours and preserving our history for generations to come."
A Journey into Our Past
As you begin your journey from the earliest classrooms conducted in one-room log cabins to the modern classrooms of today, it is the hope of the Hardee County School District that you will develop a new appreciation for the evolution of our educational system.
Throughout our history, one ideal that has been clearly evident is the dedication and determination of so many citizens, parents, and educators who were instrumental in developing and providing a school system worthy of entrusting our children's education and future.
Therefore, it is with great pride that we dedicate this site to those who gave so much of their time, talent, and assistance to keep our school doors open.
We have several football programs from the 1970's era. This particular program is packed with advertisements and photographs of players, coaches and cheerleaders.
Can you believe that back then, programs were only 25 cents??????
The cheerleaders have been tossing miniature footballs into the stands for many years. The footballs, supplied by local sponsors, have become a Wildcat tradition. Fans wait with great anticipation for the opportunity to catch one of the footballs that are thrown at every home game.
Although the footballs have taken on a new appearance from time to time, they still remain a vital part of the Friday night festivities.
Hardee County Schools were once known as the "Strawberry Schools". In years past, the school term was scheduled around the berry harvest. The school term went from July through December so that the children would be free to help their parents in the fields. Classes resumed in the middle of March. This practice continued in the Hardee County Schools until the mid 1950's.
The Wildcat Echo was referred to as an annual by students and staff members. This terminology was used until the late 1970's. In more recent years, we began to call them yearbooks.