Essex High School - Odyssey Yearbook (Tappahannock, VA)

Text from Pages 1 - 68 of the 1955 volume:

3Ae TIGER 1955 JAe Senior Class df. The Essex County High School Tappahannock, Virginia E C H S dm Stride and Joy Eighteen years of continuous service Cl(ma latei Oh Essex brave, dear Essex true. With earnest hearts we pledge to you Our pride, our love, our loyalty Through endless day and to destiny. Chorus - - Oh Essex grave, dear Essex free Oh Essex is the place for me When it is time for me to die Just bring me here and let me lie. We know you can never fail us And we shall never fail you For you we sing Oh Essex true We had great victory always for you. In you alone we have our trust And hope you will have the same in us For you we live Oh Essex too; We will always be witness for you. Dedication In appreciation for all the guidance and cooperation given to the Class of 1955, we dedicate the Tiger to P -- is for patience which she had in guiding us when tasks seemed unsurmountable. O -- is f or opportunity which she gave everyone. L --is for loyal which she is to all. E -- is for her efforts to make this first publication of the Tiger a success. S -- isforhersense of humor and genuine understand- ing which have given us encouragement to attempt to attain success. Mrs. Poles B -- is for bravery which he always exemplifies. O -- isfor overt; his character is easily seen and under- stood. W is for worthiness which he demonstrates daily in school activities. E -- is for the encouragement which helped us reach our goal. N -- isfor noble; his generous deeds and honorable o - pinion. S -- isfor sincerity; the desire he has for us to be suc- cessful. Mr. Bowens there you have the letters of their names. The first group spells Poles and the second Bowens. Our hopes, our ideals and our dreams have been nutured by them and their faith in us has given us courage to face tomorrow — its successes and its failures. 9 a i 3i ' ux AlejMige It is the desire of all of us to make our school the best that our students can graduate from. In order to do this there must be unity of spirit, good team work, and cooperation among the students, faculty, and the community. If our school is to be the best, then we as citizens of the school must be the best citizens; we must be loyal, faithful, and helpful in every relationship to school life. We must believe in progress if we are to be successful. Progress is change, but purposeful change. Educational change , like social change, must be con- structed and controlled if our school is to be brought into better alignment with the purposes it should serve. We at the Essex County High School believe in progress and modern education--not the type of education that is not in favor of discipline or just to teach the student the things he wants to learn. We do not believe that the task of modem education is to make education interesting, but to educate as well as we know how so that our students will be able to compete successfully and constructively in our democratic society. [ I I JJ ie faculty, Quide u Mr. Richard H. Vaughan Social Science Physical Education North Carolina College Miss Mattie R. Davis Librarian Va. State College Mr. Walter R. Henderson Mathematics French Va. Union University Mr. Allen R. Bowens General Science A. T. College President-- — Vice President Secretary Assistant Secretary Treasurer Business Manager Chr. of Prog. Committee Delaney Wright -Roger Brown -- Jacquelyn Roane Delores Washington — Jean Dandridge -- Joseph Pendleton -- Johnnie Fortune CLASS MOTTO The highest peak is our greatest aim. CLASS COLORS Blue and Yellow CLASS FLOWER Red Carnation Willie S. Blagmon Soup Bowl N.F. A. Basketball Baseball Delores P. Bundy Sis N.H. A. Softball Glee Club Randolph A. Fortune Randy” N.F. A. Evelyn Beale Sugie Glee Club N.H. A. Dramatic Club Roger A. Brown Bronnie N.F. A. Basketball Baseball Dramatic Club Student Council Yearbook Staff Jean A. Dandridge Jeannie N. H. A. Basketball Softball Student Council Yearbook Staff Moses B. Epps Cutie Effie Epps Jill N.H. A. N.F. A. I James E. Gairies Jim Baseball Dramatic Club Yearbook Staff Glee Club Jacqueline E. Gaines Jackie N.H. A. Walter T. Greene Toots Yearbook Staff Student Council N.F. A. Dramatic Club Tony B. Green Tiny N. H. A. Johnnie Mae Fortune Shade N. H. A. Student Council Dramatic Club Glee Club Yearbook Staff Raymond Greenwood Honey N.F. A. Basketball Baseball Joyce A. Gaines Honey N.H. A. Softball Dramatic Club Yearbook Staff Franklin L. Johnson Frankie N.F. A. ! William A. Johnson Willie N.F. A. Basketball Dorothy Golden Dot N. H. A. Dramatic Club Glee Club William T. Lee Tom N.F. A. Susie C. Holmes Sue” N. H. A. Softball Earline V. Giles Lena N.H. A. James M. Lee Nembo N.F. A. Basketball Baseball Doris H. Henry Joe N. H. A. Glee Club Albert E. Moody Moot N.F. A. Basketball Baseball John W. Oneal Junior N.F. A. Emma B. Hoskins Puffy” N. H. A. Wesley T. Rollins West N.F. A. Basketball Baseball Jean Holmes Bob N. H. A. Glee Club Dramatic Club Joseph P. Pendleton Jo -Joe N.F. A. Basketball Baseball Fannie M. Lee Fin N. H. A. Betty M. McGuire Bet N.H. A. Dramatic Club Cheering Squad Student Council Yearbook Staff Francis Smith Smitty N.F. A. Roy M. Vessels Duckie N.F. A. Sarah A. Nelson Maxie N. H. A. Shirley C. Ransome Beetle N. H. A. Softball Irene Ross Joy N. H. A. Softball Basketball Doris A. McGuire Dot -dee N. H. A. Dramatic Club Yearbook Staff Delaney S. Wright Baby N.F. A. Dramatic Club Basketball Baseball Student Council Yearbook Staff Ann Richardson Fuzzy N. H. A. Jacquelyn T. Roane Joey N. H. A. Glee Club Student Council Carrie L. Smith Smittie N.H. A. Mary M. Scott Maggie N.H. A. Glee Club Delores A, Washington ” Shorty N.H. A. Dramatic Club Yearbook Staff Frances B. Young Fluffy N.H. A. Student Council Edith S. Scott String Bean N. H. A. Glee Club Dorothy B. Thompson Dottie N.H. A. Glee Club Dramatic Club Safety Patrol Geneva Wilson Slim N.H. A. Softball Basketball Safety Patrol Ruby S. Young Sardine N.H. A. Basketball Softball Dramatic Club Yearbook Staff 3Ae Jig x, Sia It is our purpose to provide a store of pleasant memories to remind the reader of the eventful years spent at Essex County High School. If this purpose is achieved, our efforts will have been sufficiently rewarded. Roger Brown Jacquelyn Roane -- Bettye McGuire -- Jean Dandridge Delores Washington Laura Morris Doris McGuire Johnnie Fortune — James Gaines Ruby Young Walter Greene Delaney Wright — Mrs. M. T. Poles -- Mr. A.R. Bowens-- Editor Literary Editor Publicity Editor Sports Editor Class Editor Assistant Editor Advertising Editor Social Editor Typist Yearbook Sales Editor Art Editor Business Manager Advisor Advisor C Cajj Ji L ' ftc %if Four years ago a momentous event took place at ECHS. A new class was born, the class later to be known as the Banner Carrier of 1955. At the beginning there were six- ty-six of us, rather shy and timid. This large number forced us to be divided into two sections. Mrs. Poles sponsored one division and Miss Ragland the other. Throughout our freshman year, we were busy with the task of adjusting to a new situation and trying to establish a favorable reputation for ourselves. However, we were glad to accept the invitations offered us to participate in the various organizations of the school. Jean Dandridge, Irene Ross, Shirley Ransome and Delores Bundy partic- ipated in athletics. Delores Washington, Ruby Young, Roger Brown, and Walter Green starred in dramatics. We realized that this was our beginning. In the fall of 1952, we entered under new administration. Mr. P. B, Parks was our principal. Our former principal, Mr. James D. Wash- ington, was assigned to sponsor the division of our class formerly spon- sored by Miss Ragland. We now realized that high school was a serious business and as a re- sult of our acquired insight, we settled down to our required task. ■:ia. kJr. Our most memorable year was our Junior year. Our class enrollment was considerably below that of the previous year, but those who entered school had a stronger determi- nation to strive onward. We organized our class early. Mrs. Poles and Mr. Washing- ton were still our sponsors. Delaney Wright was elected president and Joyce Gaines secretary. With two more years at ECTS, we selected as our motto, What we are to be, we are now becoming. In March 1954, our beloved sponsor, Mr. Washington suc- cumbed and Mr. A. R. Bowens became his successor. Roger Brown won the District Oratorical Contest sponsored by the New Farmers of America. He also participated in the State Contest but was defeated to fourth place. Junior Prom preparations were lots of fun and work which we will never forget. The boys and girls struggled weeks before the event, practicing new dance steps under the supervision of Mrs. P. B. Parks. Other preparations included hanging decorations, nail- ing picket fences, arranging flowers, and mailing invitations. And then that night , to the soft strands of our orchestra, we danced and listened to the gentle sweep of even- ing skirts as we glided to and fro. To close this wonderful year Commencement arrived and to our surprise the follow- ing members of our class had won annual school awards: Roger Brown -citizenship, De- laney Wright-scholastic, Jacquline Roane-music, and Delores Washington -science. Then came September 1954--the year of our fondest dreams. This time we entered a school with a new name. We were now students of the Essex County High School. We organized our class for the last time at ECHS. The class chose Delaney Wright as president to preside over us for this very important year. James Gaines, a transfer stu- dent from Richmond County High School, entered ECHS as a member of our senior class. For the opening week, our first Senior distinction was that of selecting a standard ring for the school. The class assisted in selecting the ring now worn by our class as the school’s standard. The excitement of having a yearbook fort the first time prompted all of us to begin work early. Our Senior year was a busy year. There were many unforgettable events, perhaps thc«e reserved for Seniors only, such as. the opening of the curtains for the senior play, the sol- emnity of Vesper Service and the sadness that even the hardest of us felt upon closing our lockers for the last time. Yes, tomorrow is Commencement and on the threshold of our debut into the larg- er world, we realize more keenly than ever that the lasting friendships, the social ac- tivities, athletics, and the satisfaction of mastering at least the fundamentals of our subject fields have made these years at ECHS the best years of our lives. Delores Washington CUuk Sony Tune: Believe Me If All Those. . . O Essex dear, Our pride and joy. We pay thee our homage today, For the worth of thy teaching, Thy joy and care, And the good we ' ve known long the way, We thank thee, we bless thee, we pray for the years, That will glorify God and our race, We ' ll love thee forever and ne ' er shall forget. How we labored for our true reward. O Essex dear you were stern but true. And there ' s nothing that we shall do, To reflect on your name, dear School of ours, The school of our years and hours, We shall think of you with pride always, And keep you exalted high. And will always remember the days gone by, And the teachings of old Essex High. — Jacquelyn Roane Jean Holmes Dear Old Essex, Source of Wisdom From your fountain the stream of knowledge flows Here we’ve played, and here we’ve labored Many a lesson we have learned We have solved the many problems That the years have placed before us As we’ve trod the path of wisdom Pressing onward to our goal We have passed o ' er hill and valley Through the plain, over rough terrain Now we will leave your halls forever Chanting still our sweet refrain Hail Essex, our Queen! As we speed along life’s pathway To the land of greater promise Where the others sing your praises We shall take our place beside them Writing yet a brighter chapter Adding ever to your greatness --Jean Dandridge Joyce Gaines ScnMX Sup llatW£4, Best All-Round Jean Dandridge Roger Brown Best Liked Bettye McGuire William Lee Most Studious Delores Washington Delaney Wright Most Business-Like Jacquelyn Roane Joseph Pendleton Most Attractive Joyce Gaines John Oneal Most Athletic Jean Dandridge Willie Blagmon. Most Talented Ruby Young James Gaines Most Sophisticated Johnnie Fortune Roger Brown jUwyicai Most Humorous Dorothy Golden Moses Epps The Quietest From Here to Eternity The Clock Every Night In the Week Crying in the Chapel Tipping In Why? Oh Why? My Song Dragnet I Couldn’t Sleep a Wink Last Night Strange Sensation You’re a Part of Me Here In My Heart Money Honey Cr y Loveliest Night In The Year Somewhere Along the Way - Entering Essex High Arriving at School on time Home Assignment Failed in a Subject L ate f or class Did I fail in English? Alma Mater Wanted in the Office Studying for Test Leaving for work or College • E.C.H.S. O ur love for Essex Buying graduation Necessities Failing to Graduate Graduation Night Finding a job after Graduation We, the Class of 1955, of the Essex County High School, do hereby make and declare this to be our last will and testament in form and manner as follows: To the School, we leave the examples we have set as worthy scholars and blameless stu- dents. To the Community at large, we bequeath the influence we have been for the honorable and the better things of life; our interest in music, in community programs and in charitable drives. To the Faculty, we leave our highest respect and indebted love. To the Junior Class, we bestow our richest treasures, our senior dignity, our ex- celling wit, our superlative brilliancy, our charming manners, our favor with the teachers, our excellent grades and our triumphant exit as the most outstanding class this school has ever had. To the Sophomore Class, we leave two more years of hard work, for we believe that it was hard work that enabled us to reach our goal. To the Freshman Class, we leave our fearlessness to tackle the job at hand and the courage to push forward. The Class of 1955, not willing to leave all of our possessions, take with us the most valuable of all, our love for ECHS. --Johnnie Mae Fortune Emma Hoskins OFFICERS: Left to Right: James Gray-President, Grace Muse- Assistant Secretary, Barbara Taylor- Vice President, Betty Beale-Treasurer, Barbara Peterson- Secretary. FIRST ROW: Grace Johnson, Grace Muse, James Grey, Pauline Wilson, Joseph Noel, Dorothy Bundy, Rosetta Cauthorne, Harry Lee, Betty Beale, Luther Rollins. SECOND ROW: Harold Byrd, James Jackson, Lloyd Johnson, James Smith, Ann Jones, Charles Hill, Barbara Taylor, Mae Pearl Lee, Barbara Blagmon, John Blagmon, Barbara Peterson. THIRD ROW: Laura Morris, Cath- erine Ruffin, Gloria Smith, Beatrice Wright, Anna Pratt, Mary Hill, St. Claire Moody, Allen Wormly, Ruby Muse, Elizabeth Cauthorne, Mr. Richard H. Vaughan, Sponsor. OFFICERS: Sitting: Delores Peterson -Treasurer, Edna Gaines- Assistant Secretary, Aithena Harris- Vice President, Clara Booker-Secretary. Standing: Sarah Lee, Nell Robinson, Walter Garnet, Annie Young-Committee Members. FIRST ROW: Clara Gaines, Walter Garnett, Edna Gaines, William Holmes, Nell Robinson, Doro- thy Dandridge, Aithena Harris, Deloris Peterson, Carrie Fortune, William Brooks, Thiadiar Taylor, Mildred Fortune, Geneva. Layne, Jean Nev man, Miss Mattie R. Davis, Sponsor. SECOND ROW: Eleanor Wright, Virginia Bowler, Clara Booker, Lorenzo Harris, Sarah Lee, Leon Sayles, Ann Pratt, Gordon Jones, Joyce Washington, Robert Grey, James Robb, Theressa Johnson, Patricia Young, Annie Young, Pernell Muse. THIRD ROW: Delilah Burnett, Emmett Gardner, James Brax- ton, James Pitts, Oliver Johnson, William Wright, Wilbert Golden, William Segar, Hamilton Fortune, Samuel Lumpkin, Eugene Sayles, James Reynolds, Prince Banks. OFFICERS: Left to Right: Ann Braxton- Treasurer, Martin Hebron-Vice President, Patricia Johnson- Assistant Secretary, Eva Miller-Secretary, John Bayton (NOT SHOWN) President. FIRST ROW; Richard Newman, Edward Ransome, Walter Robinson, Mack Johnson, Mary Blagmon, Ruth Lee, Daisy Johnson, Gladys Johnson, Catherine Snowden, Christine Scott, Jean Richerson, Dora Taylor, Mary Muse, Lucy Hill, Elsia Bowler, Hattie Gaines, Alice Johnson, James Giles. SECOND ROW; Girlene Johnson, Shirley Chatman, Barbara Young, Ann Sayle, Eva Miller, Emma Rich, Ann Braxton, Josephine Ross, Joyce Brown, Mary Phillips, Estellia Taylor, Joyce Robb, Patricia Johnson, Dorothy Lee, Edna Bates, Clinton Beal, Robert Payne, Mr. Walter R. Henderson, Sponsor. THIRD ROW: Charles Young, Melvin Beale, Edwin Brooks, Howard Phillips, Donold Wright, Joseph Ruffins, Richard Lomax, Hugh Gaines, Martin Hebron, Willie Scott, William Lomax, Charles Key, John Quarles, William Pitts. ACTIVITIES No program of education is truly complete unless it in- cludes curricular as well as extra-curricular activities. Such activities constitute the bases of wholesome living by provid- ing the cues which prepare us for playing the responsible roles which life holds for us. These activities have served not only to enrich our lives but to develop within us that spirit of fellowship and co-oper- ation which directs our lives today and should make us better citizens tomorrow. Having been integrated into the life of E. C. H. S. , those of us who have been participants in the curricular as well as extra-curricular activities of our school, hope to achieve in- tegration into the larger, more complex life of the modern world. CLASS WORK Our classes present us unlimited areas of activity through which we steadily grow in knowledge, skills and appreciations. Enytioh In developing good language skill, the students of the Sophomore Class work out their assignment on Word Study. CAemL t’tty Experiments make students think for themselves and aid them in solving problems. These students of the Junior and Senior Class perform an experiment to show that hydrogen can reduce copper oxide. Social Studies, Pupils of the Junior Class listen attentatively while James Gray, a student in United States History, explains to the class why the early colonies were interested in self- government. Qeametxy, Be careful with your construc- tion! We are building a bridge for the future. Science With the Botanical Chart and the microscope these students are able to understand the structure and development of the plant. dlt Art provides for the student creative expression. It helps him to explore and gain an appreciation for cultural growth. (Zgsdcultwte The farm shop is one of the most important phases of agriculture. Proper operation and proper repair gives longer life to machinery. 9tomo Ccatwmicd. The objective of the homemaking program is to develop an appreciation of wholesome home life and an under- standing of the responsibilities and skills involved in caring for the home. education Physical education is an important part of the school ' s program. It helps to coordinate class activities with ac- tivities that can be carried over into adult life. Most games are taught with emphasis on rules and regulations as well as playing techniques. JAe ££ementa’af (itcuw Pictured above is the Seventh Grade Class in social science gathering information on their assign- ment. Mr. Epps is the instructor. Blanche Reynolds, a member of the Sixth Grade Class, is explaining that fractions must have the same denominators before they can be added or subtracted. Mrs. Bay ton, the sixth grade teacher, looks on. These Fifth Grade students are working on insects — observing the effects that heat, light, and food have on their life — as a part of a science project being carried out under the guidance of Mrs. Z. C. Jackson. Pictured above is a section of the Fifth Grade seeing a film entitled How the Ear Functions. Mrs. E. B. Booker is the instructor. Mrs. Betty Barrack, the Elementary Supervisor, frequently visits the elementary classrooms and is shown above standing to the left of Mrs. Booker. These Fourth Grade students are reading the story The Man and the Alligator” under the supervision of Miss Vera Waugh, their teacher. Students of the Third Grade are working on Spelling Drills a daily activity of the class under the guidance of Mrs. Esther Y. Stevens, their teacher. Mrs. J. R. Burton, Second Grade teacher, observes as the students of the class ex- press themselves artistically in the art work that they are doing. Pictured above is Miss Moore, Substitute Teacher, working with the Second Grade students in a folk dancing class in the absence of their teacher Mrs. Julia Grant. Mrs. Betty Barrack, Elementary Supervisor, is here with this class. Students of the First Grade Class work in various groups with their teacher Mrs. Esther L. Harris in developing a unit on pets. Miss Marjorie Saunders instructs her First Grade students in- -MANUSCRIPT WRITING- - a part of their daily program. CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS Many of the organizations and clubs offer service to the school and an opportunity for personal development of the students connected with them. Student Council It is our aim to cherish and perpetuate our constitution, to maintain laws of good order, to maintain high standards of cooper- ation — loyalty and fair play, to prepare to meet the problems of school and adult life, to set a high standard of citizenship and to encourage and support all forms of student activity. Standing: Mr. A. R. Bowens, Delaney Wright, Oscar Sears, Joyce Washington, Florine Roane, Barbara Young, Ann Sayles, Clara Booker, Laura Morris, Johnnie Fortune and Mr. W. R. Henderson. Sitting: John Blagmon, Jaquelyn Roane, jean Dandridge, Mr. R. H. Vaughan, sponsor, Roger Brown, president of Student Council and Bettye McGuire. M.Z.Cl The New Farmers of America is a nat- ional organization of Negro rural boys found in all states having Negro rural schools. . . .1 believe in the dignity of farm, work and that I shall prosper in proportion as I learn to put knowledge and skill into the occupations of farming I believe that each farm boy bears the responsibility for find- ing and developing his talents to the end that the life of his people may thereby be enriched so thathappiness and contentment will come to all. — Creed of The New Farmers of America. OFFICERS: Left to Right: Delaney Wright-Vice President, William Lee -Treasurer, James Gaines -Reporter, Roger Brown -President, Wesley Rollins -Secretary, Mr. F. P. Holmes-Advisor. NM.a. The New Homemakers of America is the national organization of Negro pupils studying homemaking in jun- ior and senior high school in the state. Its purposes are the development of social qualities, the provision for wholesome recreational activities, and the promotion of better home life for its members and their fam- ilies. The girls pictured above with their sponsors Mrs. Brown represent the 1954 and 1955 N. H. A. officers. Left to Right: Clara Booker, -Sergeant -at-arms, Barbara Young-Treasurer, Jacquline Roane -Assistant Secre- tary, Johnnie Fortune -Secretary, Grace Johnson-Vice President, Joyce Brown -President, Mrs. Brown -Spon- sor, Theresa Johnson-President, Laura Morris-Vice President, Ruby Muse -Secretary, Betty Beale-Assistant Secretary, Delores Peterson -Treasurer. Cfie taC C£u As a part of the schools pro- gram the Choral Club has added much listening pleasure to school and community functions. Members of the club are: TOP ROW: Mrs. Brown-Instructor, Clara Booker, Francis Smith, Walter Green, Raymond Greenwood, James Jackson, Jr. , Delaney Wright, James Gaines, Harold Byrd, Wesley Rollins, Roger Brown, Barbara Blagmon, Jean Holmes, Mrs. Bayton- Instructor, FRONT ROW: Elizabeth Morris, Ruby Muse, Betty Beale, Beatrice Wright, Gloria Smith, Katherine Ruffin, Evelyn Beale, Pauline Wilson, Thressa Johnson, Edwin Young, Barbara Peterson, Grace Johnson, Dorothy Bundy, Barbara Taylor, Dorothy Thompson and seat- ed at the piano Jacquelyn Roane. H ‘Jlfiif tfim t Hand The Rhythm Band was organized for the purpose of stimulating rhythmic expression, creativeness and origi- nality. FIRST ROW: William Green, Antonette Holmes, Rebecca Rollins, Jerome Ware, Gladys Johnson, Esther Garnett, Bertha Henry, Phillip Jones, Wayne Gray, Wesley Johnson. SECOND ROW: Andrew Holmes, Dorothy Nelson, Elliott Young, Doris Richardson, Lorrain e Hedgeman, Shirley Blagmon, Everett Gray, Her- bert Hutchinson. THIRD ROW: Mrs. E. L. Harris and other members. J I -4 iDiamatic CCaO SITTING: Left to Right: Roger Brown, Ruby Young, Delaney Wright, Delores Washington, Mrs. Poles- Director, Jean Dandridge, Lorenzo Harris, Betty McGuire, Walter Greene. STANDING: Jean Holmes, Joyce Washington, Edwin Young, Frances Young, Joyce Gaines, Raymond Greenwood, James Gaines, Johnnie Fortune, Dorothy Golden, Evelyn Beale, Clara Booker, Ann Braxton, Barbara Taylor, Laura Morris, Dorothy Thompson. As members of the Dramatics Club, students have the opportunity to develop poise, dramatic ability, artistic appreciation and how to ex- press themselves creatively. Surety fratwl The Safety Patrol was organiz- ed to promote safety for the student to and from school. The Safety Patrol has the responsibility of di- recting the student in the halls and in the cafeteria. Since the organi- zation of the patrol on the buses and in the school, the students have be- gun to take a more active part in school safety. FIRST ROW: Samuel Banks, Willie Pratt, Barbara Reynolds, Brenda Brown, Robert Schools, Nathaniel Wilson, Steven Roane, Henry Stubbs. SECOND ROW; Walter Robinson, Hugh Gaines, Delany Wright, Walter Greene, William Wilson, Ann Jeter, Louise Pratt, Ella Gaines, Florine Payton. THIRD ROW: Dorothy Thompson, Barbara Taylor, Clara Booker, Emma Rich, Geneva Wilson, Ann Sayles, Josephine Ross, Laura Morris, Susie Holmes. Qfie unq Squad The Cheering Squad was organized as a major part of the athletic program to cheer and encourage students who are participating in varsity Sports. Left to Right: Barbara Taylor, Clara Brooker, Dorothy Thompson, Francis Young, William Lee, Daisy Lee, Betty McGuire, Barbara Blagmon and Mae Pearl Lee. Ol%ima%y, Cfietuj The Primary Chorus offers opportu- nities for children to develop proper phrasing, interpretation, enunciation, and rhythm through note singing. FIRST ROW: Esther Garnett, Ann Willis, Fay Coleman, Charles Payne, Roy Banks, Rudolph Holmes, Everett Gray, Stephen Roane, Howard Henry, Wayne Gray. SECOND ROW: Gwendolyn Poles, Richard Vaughan, Griggs Roane, Thomas Byrd, James Coleman, Haywood Hedgeman, John Clarke, William Young, Sandra Jackson, Ella Roane, Joan Braxton, Rosa Durtning. THIRD ROW: Constance Harris, Phyllis Richardson, Elvira Hedgeman, Wayne Jeter, Raymond Jeter, Myrtle Pratt, Esther Rollins, Pauline John- son, Rosa Braxton, and Miss M.E. Saunders. FEATURES We have many extras here at ECHS, which we call features. These extras offer enrichment to our lives within these walls which we think of as a home away from home. Gafiete’ua The school lunch program is a part of our over- all program to .help children grow better in mind, body, and spirit. It is a vital part of school living and through it the students are greatly benefited. SeAaal Stave The store supplies pupils with school supplies and also confectioneries. I £rfata%ij Library helpers work with the librarian, a daily routine of checking in and out books, arranging books and planning library activ- ities May ( J)ay (Queen and attendant). In May, there is a certain day that is anx- iously awaited by everyone. It is the day of the traditional crowning of Miss Essex. The queen is the winner of the Miss Essex Contest held in the spring between the various high school classes. Senior (Ma )x), (Play An Annual activity of the Senior Class. This year the class presents The Pampered Dar- ling , a one act comedy. The cast: Ruby Young, Dorothy Golden, Delaney Wright, Johnnie Fortune, Roger Brown. Raymond Greenwood, Jean Dandridge, Joyce Gaines, Delores Washington and James Gaines. THE SPORTSMAN ' S CREED The Player: He lives clean and plays hard. He plays for the love of the game. He wins without boasting, he loses without excuses and he never quits. He respects officials and accepts their decisions without question. He never forgets that he represents his school. The Coach: He inspires in his boys a love for the game and the de- sire to win. He teaches them that it is better to lose fairly than tp win unfairly. He leads players and spectators to respect officials by setting them a good example. He is the type of man he wants his boys to be. The Official: He knows the rules. He is fair and firm in all decisions. He calls them as he sees them. He treats Players and Coaches courteously and demands the same treatment for himself. He knows the game is for the boys and lets them have the spotlight. (jViLa SSaaftetfki ' Lt As a competitive sport. Girls ' Basketball has developed the cooperation of olay- ers and the importance of teamwork, rather than unrelated individual perfor- mances. The ECHS Tigers won second place in the TIAA Tournament in 1953 and a rec- ord of 7-3 for the 1954 season. Robinson, Delores Peterson, Pauline Wilson, Geneva Wilson, Elizabeth Morris, Beatrice Wright, Ruby Young, Ann Sayles, Ruby Muse, Mrs. Bay ton -Coach. {Boyd’ fficteJiet aCt The Tigers are members of the V. I. A. We are participating in our third year of basketball, first year as members of the V. I. A. Practice makes perfect. Whoever said that was only half right. Practice, practice and more practice makes perfect. SITTING: Left to Right: Wesley Rollins, James Braxton, Roger Brown, Delaney Wright, Allen Wormly. STANDING: Left to Right: Mr. Holmes-Coach, Ray- mond Greenwood, James Smith, Willie Blagmon, Joseph Pendleton. Saftftall Tl AAChampions 1954 The capability and cooperation of this team enabled them to win a 12-0 rec- ord for 1954, a record which they will strive to maintain for 1955. FIRST ROW; Irene Ross, Beatrice Wright, Deloris Peterson, Nell Robinson, Dorothy Dandridge. Ann Jones, Ruby Muse, Shirley Ransome. SECOND ROW: Gloria Smith, Betty Beale, Althena Harris, Ruby Young, Mr. P. B. Parks-Coach, Geneva Wilson, Grace Johnson, Thresa Johnson, Joyce Gaines, Jean Dandridge. IfhueOalC Second Place Winners 1954 The biggest event of the year was the Tiger ' s defeat of Central High 3-1. It was a one-hit game, pitched by Wil- liam Hickman. This victory gave us a Second place rating in the TIAA League of the Tidewater Section of Virginia. SITTING: Delaney Wright, Walter Green, Raymond Greenwood, Walter Garnett, James Braxton, Joseph Pend- leton, Allen Wormly. STANDING: Mr. F. P. Holmes, Coach, Roger Brown, Walter Robinson, Wilbert Gold- en, James Smith, James Gaines, Wesley Rollins, Willie Blagmon, Harold Byrd, Albert Moody. yationj Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Banks Mrs. Margaret Bates Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Baughan Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Baughan Mr. and Mrs. N. R. Bayton Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Baytops Mrs. Rosa E. Beale Mrs. Wreatha Beale Mr. and Mrs. Irving Booker Mr. and Mrs. Allen R. Bowens Miss Lillian Brown Mr. and Mrs. Milton C. Brown Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Brown Mr. and Mrs. Charles Burton Mr. and Mrs. William Canadia Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Carter Miss Mattie R. Davis Mr. Thomas H. Epps Mrs. Alice Fifer Mr. and Mrs. Randolph Fletcher Miss Queen E. Ford Mrs. Rosa Fortune Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Gaines Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Gaines Mrs. Julia Grant Mr. and Mrs. Everett Gray Mr. and Mrs. T. D. Harris Mr. and Mrs. T. C. Harris Mr. and Mrs. Liston Harris Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Harrison Miss Josephine Hickman Mrs. Ella M. Hedgeman Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Henderson Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hill Mr. and Mrs. F. P. Holmes Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Holmes Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Jackson Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Jackson Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Jackson Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jackson Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Johnson Mrs. Mary Johnson Mr. Isaac Layne Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lomax Mr. and Mrs. Archie Morris Mrs. Charity Muse Mr. and Mrs. P. B. Parks Mr. and Mrs. Robert Payne Mr. and Mrs. M. T. Poles Mrs. Alice Richardson Miss Nell Robinson Mrs. Mary E. Sayles Mr. and Mrs. Kermit Sparks Dr. and Mrs. E. G. Stewart Miss Majorie E. Saunders Mrs. Esther Y. Stevens Miss Julia Taylor Mrs. Nellie Thompson Mr. and Mrs. Dorsey Thompson Miss Meta Turner Mr. Richard H. Vaughan Mr. and Mrs. Robert Vaughan Miss Vestillia Washington Miss Vera V. Waugh Mr. Harold Williams Mr. and Mrs. Roger Wormley Mr. and Mrs. James Wright Mr. and Mrs. Charles Young Mrs. Lottie Young Mrs. Rachael Young Mr. William Wright Mrs. O ' Celia White Miss Mildred Wilkerson ADVERTISEMENTS THANKS AND APPRECIATION TO OUR ADVERTISERS Best Wishes To the Graduates of ' 55 ' Firestone Dealer Store E. A. Gaines Tappahannock, Virginia Home and Auto Supplies Wheel Goods Sporting Goods Recreational Supplies Lumpkin Motor Company DeSoto-Plymouth Sales : Service Phone HI 3-3283 Tappahannock, Virginia R. Y. Lumpkin Proprietor Res. Phone HI 3-3372 Tidewater Laundry Phone HI 3-3311 Tappahannock, Virginia Virginia Ice § Coal Company Frozen Food Locker Plant Phone Hillcrest 3-2900 Tappahannock, Virginia Compliments of Compliments of Loving Chevrolet French’s Market Corp. Tappahannock, Virginia Tappahannock, Virginia Phone HI 3-2162 Compliments of Compliments of Southside Cities Service The Watch Clock Shop Tappahannock, Virginia Tappahannock, Virginia i Phone HI 3-5400 Massey - Harris - Southern States Essex Paint Dealer and Sutton’s Farm Supply Hardware Company Specializing In A. E. Sutton Phone HI 3-4800 Valpor Paints-Glass-Hardware Tappahannock, Virginia ! Phone HI 3-4273 Tappahannock, Virginia Tappahannock Compliments of Motor Co. Rappahannock Ford Sales Service Gas Company, Inc. Phone: Hillcrest 3-3131 Night: Hillcrest 3-3880 Tappahannock, Virginia Tappahannock, Virginia C. F. Hicks-Owner Phone: Hillcrest 3-4635 Compliments of Bank o f Essex Tappahannock, Virginia Member F D. I. C. J. C. Hayden Essex Shoe Repair 5 f to $1.00 Store Candies -Stationery- Jewelry Shoe Repairing of All Kinds Gifts -Toilet Articles-Toys All Work Guaranteed Novelties -Notions Tappahannock, Virginia Tappahannock, Virginia - (prescriptions Compliments of Peoples Drug Store Southside Bank Tappahannock, Virginia Phone HI 3-2700 Tappahannock, Virginia Cosmetics --Tobacco Magazines Fountain Service I Tappahannock 1 Martin-Sale | Furniture Store Furniture Co., Inc . s 1 Tappahannock, Virginia New and used furniture Phone: Hillcrest 3-2811 Tappahannock, Virginia Compliments of Compliments of The Jewelry Shop | 1 Triangle Inn Tappahannock, Virginia Tappahannock, Virginia . Compliments of Bareford Buick, Inc. Tappahannock, Virginia Compliments of Carter Venable Co. Tappahannock, Virginia Compliments of Compliments of Hundley £ Evans M. C. Moore Tappahannock, Virginia Tappahannock, Virginia Compliments of Northern Neck Creamery Warsaw, Virginia Compliments of Tidewater Telephone Co. Warsaw, Virginia Flowers and Gifts for all occasions The Essex Florist Phone or write us and we will take care o f your needs HI 3-4674 ED 3-7331 Compliments of Lee’s Barber Salon Tappahannock, Virginia P. E. Lee, Proprietor j Compliments of Compliments of j Thompson ’s Sunshine Funeral Home Service Station Complete funeral and Warsaw, Virginia Ambulance Service Warsaw, Virginia Phone ED 3-5119 Phone-Ed 3-5119 Frank Brown, Sr., Proprietor Compliments of MODERN ARTS STUDIO Distinctive Portraits School Specialist Frank W. Dixon 704 Church Street Norfolk 10, Virginia Compliments of Compliments of Andertons Dept. Store Mr. William Jackson Tappahannock, Virginia Metal ArtsGb., Representative Richmond, Virginia Brays Fork Service Station § Restaurant Gas Oil Courteous Service Sandwiches and Refreshments Phone HI 3-3873 T. C. Harris, Prop. Compliments of J. L. Holmes Store Hustle, Virginia Compliments of Peoples Cities Service Warsaw, Virginia Phone ED 3-5110 f(ITIE Gilbert Brown, Prop. VSERVICE YOUR PROGRESS MEANS OUR PROGRESS The Daw Theatre at Tappahannock has always been blessed with an unusually large patronage from the colored people in this entire area, and we want you to know we are deeply appreciative of your support. Good luck to all of you, and it is indeed a pleasure for us to support you and all your worthy endeavors--such as, publishing this fine YEARBOOK. Daw Theatre Tidewater Virginia ' s Best Smalltown Theatre George Clanton, Owner -Mgr . Tappahannock, Virginia Charles N. DeShazo E. W. Haile Rappahannock Equipment JohnC. DeShazo Co., Inc. Richmond Guano F ertilizer Phone Hillcrest 3-3455 Tappahannock, Va. Modern Cleaners Mitchell - Seldenjnc. A Distinctive Cleaning Service _ mm _ Tappahannock, Va. Tappahannock, Va. HI L. C. Richmond international Sales and Service HARVESTER James Hilton, Jr. Malcome Hilton Pontiac and International Northern Neck Tire and Recapping New and Used Tires JW Repair Work of All Kinds Phone Edgewater 3-7500 Clanton’s Pharmacy Boyd S. Clements, Prop. The Appreciative Store Phone Edgewater 3-7515 | Warsaw, Virginia When in Tappahannock Visit Harris Bros. Restaurant Light Lunches-Cold Drinks-Ice Cream Courteous Service Do Harris, Manager Phone HI 3-4333 Telephone 7-0909 Hugh R. Floyd Co. Wholesale Dealer John Seta, Salesman 17 East Cary St. Richmond, Va. Compliments of Mary Johnson Seamstress Caret, Va, Phone HI 3-4387 Haffey’s Esso Servicenter Warsaw, Virginia We make friends through sales We keep friends through service Tir es - Tubes -Batteries -Acc essories Phone ED 3-2021 The Fidelity and Casualty Co. of New York Montross Insurance Agency Mrs. E. Mason Cockrell, Manager Montross, Virginia Compliments of Mark Haven Beach Near Center Cross, Va. Picnic Grounds Amusement Park R. A. Markham- -Prop. Tappahannock, Virginia