PRINCIPAL RESIDENCY
My name is Derek Cobb and I am the 2020-2021 principal resident intern at Ligon Magnet Middle School. I have had the honor of serving under principal Gary Duvall.
John W. Ligon was a well-respected community leader, preacher, businessman, and educator in Raleigh, North Carolina. Born in Wake County in 1869, he went on to graduate from Shaw University and spent 26 years working in education as both a teacher and principal.
In September 1953, Ligon Junior-Senior High School opened as the City of Raleigh High School for African-Americans who previously attended Washington School on Fayetteville Street. Its cost of nearly $1 million was the largest school construction project in the state. The school was named for John W. Ligon, a well-respected educator and community leader in Raleigh whose house and school were located on Lenoir Street. H.E. Brown was named Principal. The Washington Alma Mater’s school colors were Blue and Gold and their mascot “Little Blues’ were adopted by Ligon High School. To this day, they continue to represent Ligon Middle School.
John W. Ligon was a well-respected community leader, preacher, businessman, and educator in Raleigh, North Carolina. Born in Wake County in 1869, he went on to graduate from Shaw University and spent 26 years working in education as both a teacher and principal.
In September 1953, Ligon Junior-Senior High School opened as the City of Raleigh High School for African-Americans who previously attended Washington School on Fayetteville Street. Its cost of nearly $1 million was the largest school construction project in the state. The school was named for John W. Ligon, a well-respected educator and community leader in Raleigh whose house and school were located on Lenoir Street. H.E. Brown was named Principal. The Washington Alma Mater’s school colors were Blue and Gold and their mascot “Little Blues’ were adopted by Ligon High School. To this day, they continue to represent Ligon Middle School.
Ligon GT/AIG Basics Magnet Middle School is one of three Gifted and Talented (GT) and AIG (Academically and Intellectually Gifted) basics magnet middle schools in WCPSS. The school district identifies the following four objectives of magnet programs: reduce high concentrations of poverty, promote school integration, maximize use of school facilities, and provide innovative and/or expanded educational opportunities. Ligon’s two magnet themes allow students to take three elective classes each day, in addition to their four core classes. Ligon is known for the extensive performing arts program, five languages that students can take for high school credits, an expanded CTE program with an emphasis on agriculture, and over 20 PE offerings.