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The following historical data pertaining to
South River High School has been extracted from the 1995 South
River High School Directory. Editorial credits - South River High School
and Alumni Association.:
Originally named Willetstown in 1720, it was not until 1770 that more than six families lived in the town that was later named Washington and eventually South River.
The first schoohouse was built of logs and was heated by a fireplace. It was erected about 1780 and was the main seat of learning here until a one-room brick building was erected in 1838 on Main Street next to the library.
A second story was added to the school in 1852 , and in 1885, the board of education erected a three-room brick building at the corner of Thomas and George Street - the present Middle School. In 1890 a two-room, two-story addition was added.
In 1896 a two-room wing was added to both the east and west sides of the main building to accommodate the increasing enrollment of students from East Brunswick, Sayreville, Monroe, Old Bridge and Spotswood.
The high school program began in 1891 when four young women began the pursuit of a high school course. Three years later they completed the course and formed the first graduating class of South River High School in 1894. The first class to complete a full four-year course was graduated in 1913.
In 1920. the highly respected Professor William A. Bryan was named high school principal. He remained in the position for thirty-five years. Along with his duties as principal in a building with three teachers and 83 students, he taught Latin, French and science. He also coached football, baseball and track.
High school classes continued to be taught at the George and Thomas Street location until 1961 when the present high school was opened on Hilltop Terrace with Fred Williams as principal. In 1964, Mr. Williams was succeeded by Theodore Sivess. Mr. Sivess was a native of South River and a1927 graduate of South River High School. He was awarded the Bronze Star while serving with the Third Infantry Division during World War II.
Al Losiewicz became the third principal of the present high school in 1972. During that time, the last receiving relationship with an outside district was dissolved and only South River residents attended the high school. Mr. Losiewicz continued as principal until 1991, when James Pope, who began as a South River junior high teacher in 1966, was named principal.
