Vivian B Adams School - Stepping Stones Yearbook (Ozark, AL)

Text from Pages 1 - 48 of the 1982 volume:

I i STEPPING STONES RAYGENE MARLIN BURKETT Raygene Marlin Burkett was born in a small settle- ment of Lenox in Conecuh County, Alabama, on May 31, 1928. His father, Ernest C. Burkett, was a teacher and school principal. Mary H. Burkett, his mother, was a woman who had strong moral and religious beliefs. After attending elementary school in Lenox and Providence, he attended junior high at Starling- ton, a small town nearby. In 1944, he entered Georgiana High. He was very active in athletics — football, baseball and basketball. As a small child basketball fascinated him — and it always did. He didn't realize as a youngster that he would play basketball in college and in the army. In the fall of 1947, he entered Troy State Universi- ty, majoring in physical education. During his col- lege days, he played varsity basketball. Since he loved the sport so much, he decided he would like to coach basketball. Before completion of his first year of teaching in Cullman County, Alabama, he was drafted by the Army. He served two years in the military at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He often commented that he had orders for Korea, but the Regimental Commander requested that he remain in the regi- ment so that he could play basketball for the unit. After being discharged, Raygene returned to Georgiana. During this time, he built his parents a home. He was a very good carpenter, plumber and electrician. It seemed to mean a great deal to him that he was able to do something for his parents since they had meant so much to him and they had sacrificed so much for his education. In August, 1953, he accepted a job teaching in Ozark because he was assured that he would be able to coach basketball. Then with the assistance of his G.I. Bill, he entered Graduate School at Auburn. After attending on week-ends and nights for the next six years, he received a Masters de- gree in School Administration and a AA Certifi- cate. He married a fecal Dale County girl, Carolyn Brown, in July, 1956. Their first child, a son, Mick- ey, was born in January, 1959. In his humorous manner, he often stated that, of all times, he was born during a basketball game, and he had to miss the game. During the following year he used his many talents again to build a home for himself and his family. Their daughter, Cheryl, was born in January, 1963. He decided to leave his coaching position at Car- roll High School in 1959 to become the Principal of Emma P. Flowers School. An outstanding honor he received was being elected President of the Alabama Department of Elementary School Prin- cipals in 1966. One of his favorite activities was turkey hunting. Each spring he spent hours, sitting patiently, at- tempting to attract a big turkey gobbler. He al- ways enjoyed swapping hunting stories with friends. In July, 1971, the Dale County Mental Retardation Board offered Raygene the opportunity to be- come Director of a new school that was being opened in Ozark — Vivian B. Adams School. He accepted this position and the challenge that it presented. Many times he said this was the best decision he ever made, as he loved his work and enjoyed each day better than the day before. He was truly dedicated to the school and its students. He was a busy person — always repairing some- thing, making furniture, re-roofing houses, and assisting others in many, many ways. He was not content to sit and be idle. He would sometimes become completely engrossed in his painting, an- other talent he developed. He took great pride in painting a particular scene for a friend or relative. He always had time for everybody, regardless of how busy he might be. Raygene Burkett was a unique individual. He cared about people. He was concerend about the little things in life — things that really mattered. He was always trying to make people laugh and to make them comfortable in any situation. He was considerate, thoughtful, and completely unself- ish. He seemed to enjoy life to the fullest. Al- though he was getting older, he was always young at heart. In May, 1977, he suffered a major heart attack. Within two months he returned to work on a full time basis, even with extensive heart damage, he followed his regular schedule of meeting obliga- tions and fulfilling his responsibilities. He had compassion, understanding, humility, and sincerity that few people have. His life touched so many lives from all walks of life. The influence he had on many young people he came in contact with through the years would be immeasurable. Raygene Burkett died on the night of April 1, 1982, on a basketball court, where he was playing the sport that he enjoyed so much and the sport that initially brought him to Ozark, Alabama. A deep void now exists at Adams School. All hearts are saddened by his untimely death; how- ever, a deep sense of appreciation is felt for hav- ing had this fine man as a leader for eleven years. Dale County is certainly a better place because of the life of Raygene Burkett. Billie McGinty — Bookkeeper Gail Tew — Secretary PRESCHOOL I 5 PRESCHOOL II Steve Thomas PRESCHOOL III PRIMARY I Sandra Baell James Brown Irene Edwards Franklin Hallford Melanie Greenwood Patty Grimes Marcie McGhee Heather Peterson Gene Smith Tonja Whigham PRIMARY II Maria Cawthon Marjorie Davis Gail Fain Jackie Grant Francine Lomaneck Ursula Morris Bobby Redding Kim Rogers Luther Stallings Dorothy Williams James Williams ADAPTIVE BEHAVIOR I Johnny Blankenship Sala Kirkland Julianna Nicholson Ann Smothers Julie Tomlin Ryan Williams 10 Kim Winemiller Lisa Wilson ADAPTIVE BEHAVIOR II Jay Adams Johnny Armstrong John Wayne Austin Sam Brantley Bettie Duncan Timmy Evans Naomi Hanners Lucille Jones Ethel McLeod Ted Moates Toodley Monk Gail Odom Wayne Vickers Barbara Williams Janice Marino James Flowers ADAPTIVE BEHAVIOR III James Flowers Sybil Beaty Johnny Baker Richard Drum Mary Sue Edwards Willie Gilmore Wanda Grantham May Frances McLeod Leshia McNabb Dorotha Morris Lee Scott Arlester Smith Mont Smith Tyrone Rudolph Teresa Thacker Wanda Gail Watson Pat Williams 12 VOCATIONAL I Deloney Loretta Brooks William Crawley Dorothy Gissendanner Stanley Gissendanner Roger Haburey Michael Kincer Michele Lowery Jeannie McClendon Billy Mayo Amy Outlaw Dianne Shelley Teresa Turberville Tony Walker Charlene Watson Becky Weeks 13 VOCATIONAL II 14 VOCATIONAL III ■?= . t Tim Beaty Kathy Bizilia Janice Bryant Linda Dyson Rhonda Head Janet McWilliams Robert Rhett Dennis Ridley Derrick Shirah Julia Smiley Roger Smith Anthony Stokes 15 WORK ACTIVITY CENTER Kathryn Goodson David Downing Melba Chancey George Sam Darby John Martha Jo Chambliss Donahue Ellis Brenda Carroll Sandra Ezell Joe Floyd Randy Teresa Jerry Beth Grantham Gunter Hancock Hartzog 16 Frank Herring Carlos Jones Travis Napier Jimmy Reeves Robert Johnson Mattie Luz Mujica Rick Murrah McClain Vernell Ott Steve Parker Betty Virgil Phillips Roberson Beverly Jackie Ozella Annie Rogers Sanders Sistrunk Skipper 17 18 SPEECH 19 PHYSICAL THERAPY 20 LUNCHROOM SCENES CERAMICS SPECIAL OLYMPICS WATER FOLLIES 24 25 SPECIAL EVENTS 26 27 FIELD TRIPS 32 COOKING TIMES Ten Year Staff Raygene Burkett Celeste A. Sneed Billie McGinty Sara Byrd Dot Kemp TEN YEAR A N N 1 V E R S A R Y Ten Year Students Anothy Stokes Joe Floyd Randy Grantham Steve Parker Larry Frazier Beverly Rogers Jackie Sanders Rick Murrah Beth Hartzog Sandra Ezell Tommy Barnes Kathy Wakefield, Not pictured: Amy Outlaw John Donahue teacher aide 34 35 EVERY DAY AT V.B.A. 36 38 Members Of Dale County Mental Retardation Board Raygene Burkett Joe H. Adams — Vice-Chairman Sara Price Celeste A. Sneed Martin Price Dr. G. Robert Crosby — Chairman Sara Carroll Dr. John Tamplin Not Pictured: James Lisenby Joe W. Adams — Secretary Shirley Baxter Dr. Connie Chandler 39 HEAVEN'S VERY SPECIAL CHILD A meeting was held quite far from earth It's time again for another birth, Said the Angels to the Lord above, This special child will need much love. His progress may seem very slow Accomplishments he may not show And He'll require extra care From the folks he meets way down there. He may not run or laugh or play His thought may seem quite far away In many ways he won't adapt And he'll be known as handicapped. So let's be careful where he's sent We want his life to be content Please, Lord, find the parents who Will do a special job for You. They will not realize right away The leading role they're asked to play But with this child sent from above Comes stronger faith and richer love. And soon they'll know the privilege given In caring for this gift from heaven Their precious charge, so meek and mild Is heaven's very special child. Author Unknown 40 — m %