School Address: 1 Owl’s Nest Dr War WV 24892
School District: Mcdowell County Schools
County: Mcdowell County
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Big Creek High School, located at 1 Owl’s Nest Drive in War, West Virginia, was a public high school with a rich history. Established in 1932, it served the educational needs of McDowell County students for several decades. The school was known for its spirit and community involvement, nurturing a sense of camaraderie and pride among its students. Big Creek High gained fame as the alma mater of the Rocket Boys, as chronicled in Homer Hickam’s memoir “Rocket Boys” (adapted into the film “October Sky”), which portrays Hickam’s experiences growing up in the area and his dreams of launching rockets. Despite its proud legacy, the school faced challenges common to many rural schools, such as declining enrollment and funding issues. As a result, Big Creek High School was closed in 2010 as part of a consolidation effort, with students then attending the newly formed River View High School. The closing marked the end of an era for the local community, whose identity was closely tied to the school for many years.