Bessemer High School - Spotlight Yearbook (Greensboro, NC)

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This year we had a big Christmas party in the cafeteria, given by our par- ents and teachers, who were there to help us out. Everyone had a wonderful time, and after a large meal we danced and played games. The maroon and white decorations added color to the cafeteria, and to the enjoyment of the party. The highlight of the Junior year was the long awaited Junior-Senior Banquet, which was given at the Bliss Restaurant after much planning and anticipation. “Spring Fancy” was the theme for our decorations as well as the floor show. After the banquet, the lights were dimmed for a gay evening of dancing. One thing we will always remember is the tacky party that Mrs. Arvin gave us in the gym. We also had a square-dance, after which refreshments were served, and prizes were offered to the wearers of the tackiest costumes. On the morning of September 8, 1949, the opening of school, we became seniors. We had at last reached the peak of our school life. By this time new members had been added to the class; some had moved away to other schools; but of the old gang was still together. We realized more fully our being Seniors the first time we went to chapel on that morning in 1949. We marched to the front rows as the others sat and watched, and dreamed about the day when they too would be Seniors. Class aijei Father, to Thee our hearts are turned, for we have no other desire than to accomplish Thy will. We know not what we should ask of Thee; Thou only knowest what we need. Give to us that which we know not how to ask. Strengthen us that we may live according to Thy will. Amen by Jerry Coble

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Glass Histoly By Jerry Coble, Betty Land One morning in the year 1 938, a small, frightened, but determined group of children who still had thoughts of playtime pleasures, was ushered by their parents into a large, strange building, where they were told they would learn many things about life, its problems, and its joys. That group of wide-eyed youngsters was the class of 1950. Mrs. Wilcox and Miss Fryar had the task of giving us our start on the long road ahead. Even though the next few grades seemed to unimportant to us at the time we later found out that they were a foundation for higher learning. Soon this mischievous lot of “hopefuls” began to realize the purpose of the things they were learning about. All through the grammar grades we found new friends to add to the list of old ones we had acquired during those long years of school life. Finally, the building which was known to us as high school, became a part of our everyday life. Although the experience of changing classes was not known to us this year, we became familiar with the rush of getting to the classes on time in our F resh- man year. This year was very much different from our school life before. Many new and exciting things were revealed to us, and we soon discovered that there was more to school than just books. The new activities gave us an oppor- tunity to show our interest in social life. About this time some of the bashful boys and girls became more interested in each other, and found the courage to ask for dates. Our Sophomore year will always be remembered for the many parties and good times we had together. That year some of the members of the class went out for sports and various other activities, and they contributed much toward the success of these activities. One special event in that year was a big hayride and picnic at one of the class member’s home. This was one of the biggest occasions in our Sophomore year. Now we all were looking forward to our best years in high school. In our Junior year we took on more responsibilities and realized more fully the place we were to make for ourselves in the world. This year was filled with many new adventures, both in school and outside life. The sports and clubs were made up by a large number of Juniors that year.

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fast Will avib 'Testament BESSEMER HIGH SCHOOL CITY OF GREENSBORO COUNTY OF GUILFORD We, the Senior Class of 1950, being sound in mind, do hereby declare this to be our Last Will and Testament, rendering null and void any wills and bequests that may have been previously made. It is to be understood that this is the composite will of the forty-eight sep- arate souls who are combined to form the powerful organization known as the Senior Class. ITEM I To our principal and faculty we leave our undying appreciation and gratitude for teaching and guiding us in our four years of High School. ITEM II To the Junior Class we leave the strength and endurance needed to climb that one last step, the step that will lead you to the goal you have strived eleven years for. You may also have our undaunted nerve and courage, as you will need it in athletics and in publishing the newspaper and annual. Last of all we sign over to you the honored and dignified title of Senior. ITEM III First of the many things we wish the Sophomores to have is our patience and good will. Many places will have to be filled by you so we also give you our good luck-it will lead you to success. You have our permission to sass any teachers you desire, but use good judgment-a three day vacation is a long time. You may now step into the co-pilot’s seat, the Junior Class. ITEM IV To you mean little Freshmen, we give some sound advice-turn over a new leaf or you will live a hard life. You have the permission to sit and gaze with admiration at the carved-out names of the departing Seniors on the desks. You may have the rest of our nerve and knowledge, use it well. ITEM V Individual Bequests Marie Deaton wills her basketball ability to Jo Ann Hobby. Tommy Russell leaves some of his excess weight to Dale Wood, who needs it most. June Calhoun wills to Bessemer her mouth, to be used as a public address system. Paul Barber leaves his ability to get along with people to Reubon Leonard. To Betty Williamson, who has none, Mary Long leaves some.weight, that is. Jerry Coble wills to David Smith his musical talent. Colleen Hackett leaves her “best-dressed” title to Peggy Cooke. Dempsey Leonard wills his “wandering hands” to Alton Gilbert. Jean Bailey wills her originality to Barbara Pilkenton. Jimmy Miller leaves his Sunday School vocabulary to Donald James. Glenness Riddle leaves her swing and sway to Colleen Shoe. Pete Sestito wills his brilliance and congeniality to William DeLancy. Check Strickland’s power over women is willed to Josh Harris. Erma Ellis did a grand job in Dramatics this year. She leaves her talent and position to Marjorie Hayes.