Prior to Legacy Early College High School, Taylor ISD had a second high school – O.L. Price.
The doors of the school closed in 1969 as part of the final phase of integration, but the legacy of the school remains. Last week, for the first time in the city and school district’s history, they paid homage to O.L. Price and it’s 1962 state championship team.
“This is the first time we have tried to meet each other halfway,” said Leslie Hill, who attend O.L. Price. “And I think it’s wonderful.”
At the Sept. 22 City Council meeting, Mayor Brandt Rydell read a proclamation recognizing O.L.
Price. Leroy and TF Anderson, who were both on the team, are the father and uncle of Mayor Pro Tem Gerald Anderson.
“I grew up with this tradition, with this culture, with this heritage,” the Mayor Pro Tem said.
“This means so much to the community and so much to those people that went to O.L. Price,” Anderson said. “To finally be accepted and recognized by Taylor ISD, the citizens of Taylor, and for people to understand the history that we have in our community means more than words can every express.”
In addition to the school district and the city, the Taylor Youth Ducks football program has been honoring O.L. Price’s historic accomplishment all season with a special patch on their uniforms.
“Our kids stand on the shoulders of not only this championship team but also the 1947 state championship team as well,” said Quincy Griffin, Youth Ducks coach and vice president.
Griffin said during the Taylor Press Game Night pregame show, that watching the mix of alumni from both schools, whether in green or purple and gold, was significant to the history of the schools.
“You see people embracing because these are people who have been in our community for the longest,” Griffin said. “This is the first time since I’ve been alive that I’ve seen (Taylor ISD and O.L.
Price) blended together.” On Saturday morning, the Youth Ducks recognized O.L. Price prior to their varsity game. “We want our kids to know the history of Taylor and understand that every time they line up on the field that they are always playing for something much greater than themselves. We celebrate our past.”
