September 13, 1995, is a date that will forever remain in the memories of Varnado High School students. It was late that night when flames engulfed Varnado High and burnt down the gymnasium and a large part of the main building. School was then closed for several days. When the school was reopened, students were attending class in portable trailers. It was very hard conditions for the students, especially when the weather was bad.
But things were to get better. Bids were made for the construction of a new school. The old building was torn down. The North Wing of the old building was salvaged and refurnished. Then, in July of 1997, the groundbreaking ceremony was held at VHS. Construction on the new building was started soon afterwards.
The new building was officially opened for school on August 16, 1998. Students now enjoy new computing centers, labs, and classrooms. Other facilities included in the new building are a cafeteria, an auditorium for music performances, a library, and offices.
Shortly after completion of the actual school building, the construction of the gymnasium was begun. It was completed in the Summer of 1999. The gym was officially opened in the ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 15, 1999. This completed the final phase of reconstruction. The Varnado Wildcat basketball teams will begin play in this new stadium on Monday, November 22 against the Bogalusa Lumberjacks in the 1999-2000 home opener.
