Chester High School - Reflector Yearbook (Chester, VA)

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In Appreciation “From you shall others learn the way.” » « ( °HE development of education in Chesterfield County has f Q kept pace or eclipsed its progress in other lines. We feel that this must largely be due to the personal ef- forts of the superintendents and school trustees. In acknowl- edgment of their efforts we would call attention to those who have been directly associated with the administration of our schools. Though some are gone, the influence of their lives and work still lives. They have left an indelible imprint on the schools and communities. The first division superintendent was the Hon. Beverly A. Hancock, who was appointed to that position about 1870. Mr. Hancock was a prominent jurist of Chesterfield and Manchester, and occupied a place on the bench of our county. He is there- fore known to many as Judge Hancock. He was followed in office by Mr. E. S. Robinson, who in turn gave place to Captain William A. Blankenship. The old Captain was a unique figure, loved and respected by all, save the squirm- ing small girls and boys who came to attention when he appeared at school to ask questions. The most pleasurable part of such visits, to them, was his retreat. Mr. W. G. Owen and Dr. Charles M. Hazen were the next in order as superintendents. By this time a marked change in school development was being noted and during Dr. Hazen’s ad- ministration, the four year high school was first introduced. In 1913 our own Mr. Philip M. Tyler, beloved principal of this school, was appointed superintendent. During his regime, a building and consolidation program was launched with notice- able results. The one to follow him, Mr. T. C. Williams, is the present incumbent and his successful administration speaks for his ability. This brief resume would not be complete without an acknowl- edgment of the debt felt by the school to the citizens of Bermuda district who have served as school trustees. In record of their sympathetic understanding and constructive helpfulness we place their names upon this page. To Mr. Charles N. Friend is largely due the credit for secur- ing the vocational appropriation for the Third District for Page Seven

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a M edor Gon tents .... Athletics Features I. Classes II. Organizations III. IV. STRENGTH NE’S greatest glory consists not in never falling, but in rising every time lie falls. When we speak of strength, the first thought that enters our minds is that concerning physical strength. But. far greater than this is the ability to overcome obstacles that keep one from doing the right tiling. People of today find all kinds of temptation on every side of them. It takes a man of strong character and will power to throw aside the things of the world. He must live so that his life will be a light for others to follow. Sometimes temptation will get the best of him and he falls by the wayside. If he is able to rise from this fall, then he lifts himself to a higher plane than he ever was before. This is the real strength of the human soul. - — Gertrude Avent. MIL T. C. WILLIAMS Page Six

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e J £tkdor- IN APPRECIATION— Continued Chester. Though a gentleman trained in the ways of the old school, he was very modern in a desire to give boys and girls a practical education. We feel it an honor that our district should have furnished the first lady to serve on a County School Board in Virginia. Mrs. P. E. Perdue has the distinction of being that person and we point with pride to the new high school building and cottage erected during her term of office. Mr. D. M. Walker, now county treasurer and an ardent en- thusiast for public education, was long a trustee of the district. Others who have given their efforts include: Messrs. W. B. Strother, P. E. Perdue, J. A. Straughn, T. J. Shepherd, George Shepherd, John A. Robertson, Velvin Burgess, F. W. Besecker and T. S. Wheelwright. The following gentlemen comprise the present board: Mr. J. A. Chalkley, Chairman; Messrs. T. S. Wheelwright, J. B. Watkins, Jr., J. G. Henning, Henry Gill, R. E. Eanes and H. H. Baird, clerk of the board. To them we would offer our thanks for what they have done and beg their continued efforts in this great work of education. Page Eight