Pasco County School Board to name new Hudson high school on Tuesday

HUDSON — How does the name Fivay High School suit you?

It's a leading contender for the new high school that's been known only as EEE as it has risen along State Road 52 at Chicago Avenue.

"For those of us who have lived here our entire life, it makes sense," said Pasco County School Board member Allen Altman.

The sawmill and railroad town of Fivay was founded back in 1904 by five men whose last names all began with A, right in the area where the school will open.

"That is what that area is," board Chairman Frank Parker said. "I've gotten a couple of letters (supporting) Fivay. Initially, that was one of my first thoughts back a couple of years ago when we started it."

Fivay is not the only option on the table for the board's consideration when it meets Tuesday to name the school.

Other ideas include other location names, such as Bayonet Point and West Pasco, themes such as Memorial and Patriot, and people, including former principal Ferd Renninger and civic activist Dr. Rao Musunuru.

Board members have made it clear they don't favor naming schools after people.

"How do you pick a person?" wondered board member Kathryn Starkey. "There are so many people. How do you do that fairly?"

They have instead tended toward geographic names, in no small part to make clear to visitors where the school sits. That hasn't always made residents happy, as they've proposed honoring loved ones and community leaders only to see the board pick the name of a river or a subdivision instead.

That was the case when the board picked Anclote for its new high school in Holiday over the names of two well-regarded educators.

Other factors also come into play.

The name, for instance, needs to be something that doesn't lead to unintended chants, alterations or rhymes. Pasco added "Ranch" to what was to be Wiregrass High School after hearing some people singing "Wiregrass will kick your a--" as a potential football cheer.

Board members also have spoken in the past about the need to have the school name be memorable, easy to pronounce and simple to spell — particularly for kids who have to use it every day.

Fivay fits most of those categories. It's by no means a shoo-in, though.

Parker acknowledged his willingness to consider naming a school in recognition of military veterans, for instance. And Starkey said she was partial to Bear Creek High, after the creek that runs through the property.

That name didn't appear on the list that went to board members on Thursday. But it could come up, along with all sorts of other ideas, when the board makes its choice Tuesday evening.

Jeffrey S. Solochek can be reached at solochek@sptimes.com or (813) 909-4614. For more education news, visit the Gradebook at blogs.tampabay.com/schools.