Bessemer Academy - Reflections Yearbook (Bessemer, AL)

Page 12 text:

Blending Of The Better Into The Best! Bessemer Faith Academy, the name that last year seemed so foreign, now is said with a pride only its students can radiate. The students have created two successful years despite remarks that a merger would not succeed. Faith School was established in 1967 with an enrollment of 30. This number grew and plans began for a new and larger school building which was completed in 1973. Bessemer Academy was established in 1970 with an enrollment of 75. They, too. grew and moved to a new building in 1972. It is down the halls of this building that students from both Faith and Bessemer Academy walk. People asked how could two such arch-rivals combine to become friends. The answer is simple — encouragement and patience from the students of both schools nurtured an atmosphere for many everlasting friendships. Jessica Broadwater

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 As the school year comes to an end, now is the time to reflect hack on the memories, both good and bad of that year. The friendships made during the academic year will continue long after the halls have emptied for the summer vacation. Students can reflect back on past friends that have left the secure walls of Bessemer Faith Academy and have moved into the outside world. For instance, who would of thought Nancy Barnett Shelton, a '76 graduate would come back to teach first grade at her alma mater. When asked about her high school years at Bessemer Academy she said that many things had changed. Bell bottom jeans and boys with long hair were some of the signs of that '76 graduating class. Claudia Freeman, another Bessemer Academy graduate who returned to teach fourth grade, added that groups like Lynard Skinner and Kiss were popular sounds of the day. More recent graduates of Bessemer Faith Academy, such as Natalie Jolley, still manage to keep in touch with friends who remain at B.F.A. Natalie is now at University of Montevallo where she is a cheerleader. Though the time each student spends at Bessemer Faith Academy will some day come to an end, the friendships that have begun here will continue to grow. Lee Lipscomb

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With affection and gratitude, the 1982-83 REFLECTIONS dedicates this edition to Mr. Wall Rogers who dedicates himself to both his teaching responsibilities and to his students. Mr. Rogers has taught in this school for 6 years. He teaches Biolog) and Chemistry. He has also been the sponsor for the Student Council for the last 3 years. He graduated from Samford University and is now working on his masters at UAB. Mr. Rogers has continually shown his devotion as both friend and teacher to the students here at Bessemer Faith Academy.