Benson High School - Tatler Yearbook (Benson, NC)

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HISTORY OF THE CLASS OF 1949 In September of 1945, we entered Eenson High School with an enrollment of 59. The name Freshman was a symbol to us; for we knew only the daily routine of the school hours. We felt honored because this was the first noticeable change in our school careers of nine years. Al- though we were as green as the term freshman implies, our teachers were very patient and reasonable with us. We were divided into two sections. Our class selected the following of- ficers: Teacher, Miss Sasser, President Jerry Wall, Vice-President Nowell Smith, Jr., Secretary and Treasurer Betty Jean Moore, Teacher Miss Farlow, President Naomi Lee, Vice-President Kathleen Norris, Secretary and Treasurer Jerre Denning. Probably the worst part for us was that we had to become used to the likes and dislikes of our many teachers. Evidently we became integrated to the teachers, routine, new subjects and larger assignments for we soon found ourselves Sophomores. Fifty-two sophomores entered in the fall after a short vacation, to start trying moments of algebra, learning biology and history. While all the time we were wondering if we really were Sophomores. Our class pioneered by starting the first school paper in several years, with Joan Benton as Editor-in-Chief. Leaving Benson High School that year, we were happy with the thought of being Juniors. There were still fifty-two of us when we reentered in the fall as Juniors. We elected as our class president, Jerry Wall. As Juniors we will not forget our memories of the Junior-Senior Banguet held in our school library and followed by a dance at the Smithfield Country Club. Another highlight was our Junior Play Where ' s Grandma, starring Phy llis Duke who had joined us in the fall. The school paper had been continued by our class with two staffs. Joan Benton, Jimmie Gibbs and Mildred Warren, Nowell Smith, Jr., as editors. There was not much left for excitement as we soon hailed goodbye to the Seniors at their Commencement with our rose chain, on their class night. Jerre Denning as chief with four others were marshals at the Senior events. The Juniors were guest singers at the Baccalaureate Sermon. We were now ready to take up our duties as dignified Seniors. Whether we were saddened by the postponement of school or not, we were hoping to be to- gether soon with our friends and eventually to join all graduates in the great, wide, wonderful world, with no school, no books, no teachers, no assignments, no examinations and no more of the extra curricula activities. Our Senior year promised to be full of activity. In the fall our boys and girls won the intramural basketball championship and the first prize in the annual stunt night sponsored by the Sophomore and Junior Classes. In the spring we finished our annual with Joan Benton as editor; gave a Senior Play and concluded the many activities and duties awarded to us. We have seen the many trials, temptations and errors of our class, but we have many points to our favor. One of them being the fact that our class is the largest to graduate from Benson High School. Our Senior Year is finally drawing to a close. The memories of the faculty who struggled with us, whose patience we tried, whose examinations we failed will long be with us. Soon we shall receive our diplomas and our hearts will be filled with joy and happiness. We sincerely hope that we can prove ourselves worthy of the emblems and privileges and remain true to our Alma Mater as we go forth from dear old Benson High School as representa- tives of noble manhood and womanhood. It is our desire to make good in life and now the class of 1949 passes across the stage. DORIS CREECH 20

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Grade Mothers: left to right, Mrs. J. B. Benton, Mrs. H. W. Duke, Mrs. Lillian Massengill. Grade Fathers: left to right, Mr. Ralph Medlin, Mr. Nowell Smith, Sr. MASCOTS BRENDA SUE SMITH STEVE PLEASANT 19

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LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA County of Johnston Benson High School Town of Benson We the class of 1949, having spent four years of our young lives further educating ourselves and better preparing each individual for his place in the future do not wish to depart and leave forever without first endowing a few of our most esteemed and cherished gifts to other members of the student body: The following we cherish so fondly, so please accept them and keep inact until such time as you may wish to pass them on to others of a deserving nature. SECTION I ARTICLE I — To our beloved principal, Mr. Barefoot, we leave our fondest affections and gratitude for the understanding and encouragement we have received from him during our stay at B. H. S. ARTICLE 2 — To the Faculty — We can only promise that we ' ll always remember them and make good use of the knowledge they taught us no matter where the trial of life leads each of us. SECTION II ARTICLE 1 — To the class of 1950 we leave our Senior dignity and our seats in the auditorium. ARTICLE 2 — To Benson High School we leave 53 vacant places which we hope will be filled with others who will be as proud of B. H. S. as we are. SECTION III ARTICLE 1 — We the Class of 1949 being of sane mind and judgment do hereby will: Mozelle Allen ' s guiet disposition to Jean Johnson. Donald Bailey ' s ability to shoot to E. H. Creech. Jean Barbour ' s flirtatious ways and brown eyes to Laveta Barbour. Johnnie Barefoot ' s revolutionary views to anyone that wants them. Apply early and avoid the rush. Joan Benton leaves her dramatic ability to all ambitious underclassmen. Genevieve Byrd ' s ability to take her school bus around a corner with one wheel to Max Barbour. Jo Ann Capps ' straight hair to Betty Lou Bell. Donald Capps ' physigue to Thomas Lee. Oras Clifton, Jr. ' s giggling to Clyde Proctor. Wilma Coats ' Latin ability to Bonny Lynn Morgan. Doris Creech ' s serious love affairs to Louise Barbour. Jane Denning ' s dimples to Jackie Norris. Jerre Denning ' s sweet disposition to Bobby Strickland. Phyllis Duke ' s undying love for the morgue to any Junior girl who might fall for an undertaker. Hazel Ennis ' blonde hair to Edna Massad. Doris Flowers ' cute bangs to pistol-pac king Lois Barefoot. Jimmie Gibbs ' Mimeograph machine to Percy Wilkins. Shelton Godwin ' s many girl-friends to Edward Surles; for Shelton has more girls than Carter has liver pills. 21