Aubrey ISD featured in exhibit celebrating high schools in Denton County
Nestled in the middle of the county seat is a space where all teams play a part, and come in first place. An exhibit showcasing the 28 public high schools in Denton county is currently open, culminating in “Team Spirit” at the Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum.
The Team Spirit installment includes artifacts that tell the story of high school origins along with a taste of nostalgia ranging from 1884, when Denton High School, the first public high school in the county was built, to the present. A map showing the location of all Denton County high schools is featured in the exhibit. Items such as athletic uniforms, class rings, yearbooks, prom dresses, clubs and organizations apparel, graduation regalia and homecoming mums are on display throughout cases and other areas as well.
“It’s really fun to see everyone’s reactions and their connections,” Denton County Office of History and Culture Curator of Educational Programs Kelsey Jistel said. “High School is a pretty universal experience for almost everyone, and so, we tried to pinpoint little key points of the high school experience throughout the exhibit and showcase as many schools as possible for Denton County.”
A basketball uniform from Aubrey High School is featured in the athletic section. A band uniform from the past is included in the area for fine arts. The Team Spirit exhibit's purpose near the entrance is detailed in writing on a historic photo from Aubrey Chaparral Stadium. Additional photos from Aubrey High School’s past are included in the massive photo collage along the exhibit’s hallway corridor.
Attendees present at the opening reception on Sept. 8, 2023 had lots to add for historical context as curators led the initial tour. Their excitement was evident as they witnessed persons they recalled from the past.
“I love to see that the visitors have showed up in their school spirit wear too, that they’re coming to support their schools and we want to do the same,” Denton County Office of History and Culture Curator of Collections Kim Cupit said.
Team Spirit is a labor of love and community. Cupit, Jistel and their entire team have worked on the exhibit since January. The resource base was instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.
“We couldn’t have done it without the schools and the historical societies and the individuals that actually have the material for us to borrow,” Cupit said.
The Team Spirit exhibit will run through Aug. 17, 2024. The Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum is located at 110 West Hickory Street, Denton, Texas 76201. Museum hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free, however they do accept donations.
Jistel had spirited final words to share.
“Just show up and bring your team spirit! Go Chaparrals!”