by Gord Davies and Frank Hennessey pg 127 More Big Hill Country 2009
In 1962 the Board of Cochrane School District 142 decided to construct a High School. The present site was chosen and construction began on a six-room building. Along with two homes being built by Petrofina, it was the only other building on the hill. The initial plan was for a six-room school with no gym but it was later decided to have a gym constructed as well. The students helped in moving materials from the old brick school downtown during the Christmas holidays.
In 1966 Cochrane School District became a part of Rocky View School Division #41. Another change that took place at this time was the decision to close the high school in Westbrook and to bring the students into school in Cochrane.
A new wing was added in 1968 which included a library/classroom, biology lab, typing room, home economics room and shop facilities. Because construction was not finished for some time, shop and home economics classes were held in the old brick school. The students were bused back and forth. Between 1966 – 69, under the leadership of Principal Bill Brookes, a number of innovations were undertaken regarding the manner in which education was delivered to the students. The biggest change, and the most lasting, was the introduction of the semester system. At this time there were very few schools in the province using this system.
With growth taking place in the Cochrane area portables made an appearance (and continue to be used) and it was decided to build a west wing. This part of the school opened in 1970 and was built to support a second storey which was added later. During construction of this wing, because of a very strong chinook wind, the north wall blew down. It caused some to question the wisdom of building a second storey. At this time, the school housed both junior and senior high students. Very shortly after, Manachaban School was built and the junior high students went to this school.
In 1985, because the school did not meet building codes of the time the building was gutted. The beautiful stained wood ceilings were removed and the heating system was updated. As well as updating the old building, a new gymnasium science lab, and various other rooms were added. The original gymnasium was divided into a library and a music room which are still in use today. This new wing was opened to the students and staff in 1986. In 1990 a decision was made by Rocky View School Division #4 l to reorganize the grade divisions, creating a middle school and bringing grade nine students into the high school.
Despite the wall having been blown down on the west wing a second storey was added in 1992 and, for the most part, houses the mathematics department. In trying to keep up with the growth of the town, a new addition was added in 1996. The Lyceum, science labs and added classroom space was very welcome. The drama department now had a place to call home. It was at this time that the Snake Pit area was created when it was decided to make the original wing into the administrative area which houses staff and administrative offices.
The elements giving identity to Cochrane High, such as school colours, school motto and crest, and school name for the sports teams, came about over a period of time. The school crest and the motto “Carpe Diem” was created some time in the I950’s. Maroon and gold for school colours seems to have existed from the beginning of Cochrane High School. The choice of the cobra as the school mascot came about in the mid-1970’s. The school has always had a strong sports program, coupled with a broad education program which exists to this day.
