During World War I, the original sandstone brick Twin Towers were built on land once belonging to the Brandon family, and the school consolidated the area's one-room schoolhouses to better educate local children. Its first principal, John T. Bushong, expanded Brandon Grade School to the 12th grade, and four seniors graduated in 1923. Strong emphasis was placed on the 3R's, but botany was also taught. The town's social life centered on the school, whose auditorium hosted plays, movies, and special events. As the community grew, the school became a Jr./Sr. in 1954, changed to a Sr. high in 1962, and in 1973 became a Jr. high named after long-time principal E.F. McLane.