HISTORY

In the early 1900’s, the school for blacks in the Zebulon area was Wakefield-Zebulon High. Sometime between 1930 and 1943, the name changed to James E. Shepard High School. James E. Shepard (November 3, 1875 – October 6, 1947) was an American pharmacist, civil servant, educator and the founder of what became the North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC. In 1970, after nearly four-decades of educational growth and pioneering, James E. Shepard High School closed.

This institution, located East of the Zebulon city limits on highway 64, (now Shepard School Road) was a mecca for the Black youth of Eastern Wake County to study, learn and live to receive formal instruction in the Arts and Science, which characterized the many facets of education.

Over the 40 years span more than 3800 students enrolled in the school. However, many were either reassigned or transferred to other neighboring schools. Over 1700 students remained to graduate James E. Shepard High School. The commencement ceremony in June of 1970 marked the final graduation class of the school.

In 1979, the James E. Shepard School Alumni Association was organized. This Association supports educational advancement through scholarship programs, with an emphasis on promoting effective community development and charitable improvements.

To continue carrying out the mission and reach the goals of the Association, it is desired that each member contribute their time, gifts, talents and financial contributions.