Nestled in the quiet serenity of one of the oldest and history laden areas of Lake Charles stands the proud original Washington High School building erected in 1952, which since the construction of the new school bearing the same name, has been the home of the Cherry Street Elementary School. 

In 1954, Mrs. Jessie D. Clifton, a pioneer in education in Calcasieu Parish, was appointed principal of Washington High School.  She served both the Lake Charles City School System, and the Calcasieu Parish School System, as a dedicated teacher and principal, for a total of forty-one years. 

Mrs. Clifton brought to the school a brilliant record of achievement and leadership, which was vitally needed in the years in which she so faithfully performed.  Mrs. Clifton was a stern disciplinarian and possessed an unquenchable determination to strengthen the educational system of which she was such a vital part.  A kind and gentle woman, with a heart of gold, she recognized the line of demarcation between right and wrong and she was beloved and respected by students and faculty alike.

On August 18th, 1992, the Calcasieu Parish School Board resolved that the Cherry Street Elementary School located at 100 North Prater Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana, be named, and known as the Jessie D. Clifton Elementary School.

 Today, Jessie D. Clifton Elementary  School is a landmark of educational achievement as it reflects the image of the great teacher and leader whose name it now bears.