The Rocket Boys' alma mater will soon face the wrecking ball.

McDowell County Schools Superintendent Jim Brown says the former Big Creek High School is expected to be demolished before winter.

Big Creek was consolidated with Iaeger High School to form River View High School in Bradshaw.

Big Creek opened in 1932 and closed in June. War Mayor Tom Hatcher says the building is too deteriorated to be saved.

Big Creek is the alma mater of best-selling author Homer Hickam Jr. and four friends who became national science fair champions in 1960. The school was the source of inspiration for Hickman's book "Rocket Boys: A Memoir."

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