This large public school, housing both middle and high school students, is named for General Strong Vincent, who commanded Erie's regiment in the Civil War and was killed defending Little Round Top at the battle of Gettysburg in 1863. The school's classical grandeur is characteristic of public buildings in the 1920s, which were often built in a grand style to inspire high moral character. To reinforce this goal, didactic quotations were carved into plaques on the facade. Pride of place was given to the Vincent family's coat of arms and their motto “By courage, not by force of arms, we conquer.” The industrial nature of Erie is reflected in other quotations, such as “Labor is man's greatest function.” Six Tuscan columns support the dentil-lined pediment at the main entrance, which is adorned with a clock guarded by carved griffins. A stone lintel course and cornice line all elevations of the building, and pilasters separate each pair of windows.