North Charleston High's new stadium is Bonds-Wilson Stadium, after the city's first Black high school. The field honors Lance Cpl. Issac Sparkman, killed in Vietnam.

North Charleston High School’s new football stadium has a name. It is now Bonds-Wilson Stadium, and its playing field is Lance Corporal Issac Sparkman Field.

The Charleston County School District announced the names Oct. 19 in a news release. They were unveiled at a dedication ceremony at the school Saturday, Oct. 17.

Who the names honor

The stadium takes the name of Bonds-Wilson High School, North Charleston’s first Black high school. The district’s release gives its history:

  • It opened in 1950 in the Liberty Hill community.
  • It was named for two Black educators, Dr. J.R. Bonds and John T. Wilson.
  • It desegregated in 1971.
  • It closed in 1985, when its students were rezoned to North Charleston High.

The field honors Lance Cpl. Issac Sparkman. The district said he was a former Liberty Hill resident who served in the U.S. military and was killed in action in the Vietnam War. His family and lifelong friends shared memories of him at the ceremony.

What was said

“Though Bonds-Wilson’s doors closed more than four decades ago, the legacies of the institution and its namesakes live on through the achievements of its alumni and its lasting influence on the North Charleston community,” Principal Henry Darby said in the release.

“This stadium is more than a new facility,” Darby said. “It is a tribute to the educators, students, and families who helped shape our community.”

Superintendent Anita Huggins said the names “celebrate North Charleston’s proud history of educational excellence, courage, and service.”

What it means for you

  • Going to a game? Bonds-Wilson Stadium is the school’s new stadium. Results are on our scoreboard, and the season guide is on our Friday night football page.
  • A Bonds-Wilson graduate? The district said the stadium “restores the Bonds-Wilson name to a prominent place in the community.” Alumni were among the guests at the dedication.
  • Want the history? Our Liberty Hill neighborhood guide covers the community where Bonds-Wilson opened and Sparkman lived.

North Charleston High’s grades, enrollment and contacts are on our North Charleston High School page.