John I. Burton High School

John Ira Burton High School is a small high school located in the City of Norton, Virginia which has an enrollment of approximately 330 students.School BuildingThe School was built in 1953 and named in honor of John Ira Burton, who served as principal of the local schools for 38 years. The building is in a constant state of improvement with painting, remodeling, and cosmetic changes occurring. Teachers and the administration at Burton consistently strive to make the school and rooms attractive and conducive learning environments. It has a classroom capacity of 615 students. In 2008, major structural enhancements were made on the Lawson-Fitchko Stadium. They were completed on August 22 for the Raiders' first home Football game of the season against Rye Cove High School.On September 18 the Rickie M. Harris Athletic Complex was dedicated at the John I. Burton High School. The facility was named in honor of athletic standout and honor student Rickie Harris who died five years ago as a result of an auto accident.AthleticsThe Raider Football team has made the state finals 3 years in a row from 2003-2006 but has come home empty-handed each time. Having won the state title in 1972, the team came close to a repeat in 2006 against the Riverheads Gladiators with the score 21-20. The game would be marred with some controversy, specifically with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against Ethan Stewart with less than a minute left on the clock in the 4th quarter after rushing in for a touchdown cutting the lead to one and backing the Raiders up on the ensuing failed two point attempt conversion. But despite all losses there are many wins for the team as well. The Raiders are 2007 Lonesome Pine District champions,and were Region D, Division 1 champions for the 2003-2006 seasons. Head Football Coach Jim Adams has won the LPD coach of the year title 7 out of the last 8 years.