Eugene Ashley, Jr., a native of Wilmington who died at age 37 in the battle of Lang Vei during the Vietnam War.

[2] Ashley High School is home to the Marine Science Academy[6] which is a partnership with UNCW that allows students to study college level oceanography and biology, and which requires students to participate in internships through UNCW and CFCC.

[6] Ashley students are also able to take dual enrollment classes through Cape Fear Community College.

[8] AP course offerings include The Eugene Ashley High School appears in several One Tree Hill episodes, and the TV movies Teen Spirit, and Red Zone.

The television show Eastbound & Down filmed parts of Season 4, Episode 8 in the gym and outside the school.