Stanthorpe State High School's Sport Houses
Wright
Colours: gold and black - Mascot: panther
Harry Wright was head teacher of Stanthorpe Rural School for all but four years between 1899 and 1936. Born 13 August, 1870 in Ashford, Kent, he arrived in Australia on Christmas day, year unknown. He also died on Christmas day.
Langan
Colours: blue and white - Mascot: crayfish
James W. Langan was head teacher here from 1941-1958. Both he and his wife were born in County Mayo, Ireland. He came to Australia aged about 30 and died in 1958 while still Principal of Stanthorpe Rural School, where he taught French and maths. Mrs Langan continued to live in Stanthorpe, in Minna Street, and died in 1982.
The next two houses were later additions, required by the increase in numbers in 1963-4 when year eight students began coming to high school for the first time.
Finch
Colours: green and white - Mascot: frog
Fred Finch was a jeweller in Stanthorpe for nearly fifty years. He married a local girl Patricia Jeffries, and their children Geoffrey, Peter and Patricia all attended Stanthorpe Primary and High Schools to Junior.
Mr Finch was always interested in school activities and did the school engraving of trophies etc. free of charge. He was treasurer of the P & C when he died in December 1964. Mrs Finch died in 1990. The Finch Leadership Award was initiated by Mr Finch and is now carried on by his family.
Withers
Colours: maroon and white - Mascot: dolphin
Hubert Withers is remembered by the Dolphin's house. He was the son of jewellers in Rockhampton. Married to Gertrude Tremaine, his career as a dentist brought him to Stanthorpe as a locum for Mr Barnett where he stayed.
His children all attended Stanthorpe Primary, John becoming a dentist, Rodney a cancer specialist, Helen going to Canberra. Judith (Smith) lives in Victoria as far as we know. An interesting note is that Pat Finch worked for Mr Withers. Mr Withers lived in Scholtz Street and died in May 1964.