Franklin High School - Retrospect Yearbook (Mount Airy, NC)

Page 11 text:

3ivst Principal sm£ •- - JT • EDWARD P. McLEOD Edward P. McLeod came to Surry County ' from Elon College to become principal of the new high school when it opened its doors in September 1927. His administrative ability was immediately apparent, and he was soon firmly established in the community. Mr. McLeod was a man of integrity’ and Christian character. His dignity never deserted him, but his happy smile was also ever-present. No student ever questioned his judgment or sense of fairness. Every ' teacher had his understanding and help in school affairs. Loved by everyone, respected as few men are, he spent fifteen years establishing Franklin High School, and indeed, helping the community ' to develop and grow as a desirable place to live. There is no way to measure the influence of such a man. We, as students, teachers, and community citizens, can only be grateful that we were privileged to know him, to work with him, and to feel his influence in our lives. As long as he lived, Mr. McLeod kept his interest in Franklin and his love for those who shared his years here. He was ever proud of the forward steps made here. We can only keep faith with such a man in our own devotion to the interests of our school and community ' . 7

Page 10 text:

This group of approximately 55 students made up the entire high school in 1928, the first year of operation. There was no graduating class, but many class activities were begun with enthusiastic participation. The com¬ munity began at once to plan ways and means of securing needed equipment for the school. First row, left to right: Mamie Hill, Virginia Collins, Mary Lou Hodges, John Dee Allred, Irene Gentr) ' , Woodrow Hall, Alice Boyles, Vera Allred, Lincoln Southern, Katlileen Simmons, ila Beamer, Nina Hill, Lacy Southern. Second row: Williesue Blackburn, Beatrice Creed, Doris Gant, Lucy Simmons, Mrs. Pearl Hatcher Starling, Lennis Stewart, Mr. E. P. McLeod, Mary Miller, Mellie Gox, Nina Alderman, Ethel Booker, Robert Sykes. Third row: Lyla Lineback, Ellen Shelton, Hattie Davis, Lettie Tate, Una Hall, Nell Gentry, Ethel Gaudle, Olivia Marion, Madge Beamer, Grace Leonard, Clara Cox. Fourtli row: Glenn Wood, Claudia Thore, Corinna McKinney, Glenn Hatcher, Emma Greed, Howard Edwards, Lorena Greed, Garl Snow, Violet McKinney, Malecta Gombs. Fifth row: Floyd Harbour, Rosa Marion, Alice Seal, Gharles Terry, Ethel Daniels, Virginia Hatcher, Ruby Wagoner, Frank Beamer, Kermit Wood. Student Body, 3ran lin Hiyd Scfiool, 1928 6

Page 12 text:

3ran l in School Principals Mr. Gaddy was principal for the years 1942-1944. During this time, with World War 11 in progress, teachers were hard to get, students were being drafted out of the classrooms, and teaching materials were scarce. Mr. Gaddy will be remembered for his interest in students and his leadership in school activities. He directed the boys in literally digging out several classroom spaces. During this time the school took part in scrap drives, bond sales and other efforts to win the war. Mr. Broome came to Franklin in September, 1944. He had had some sixteen years experience as teacher and principal. Franklin had 200 students and 9 teachers, and was soon to begin an expansion which has never stopped. The Agricultural Shop was built and agriculture classes added. Under Mr. Broome ' s direction, many courses were begun, such as Shorthand, Bookkeeping, Chemistry, Journalism, and Spanish. A football field was laid out and the first team went into action in 1950. The new high school building was ready for occupancy in 1953. These were years filled with success in sports, academic growth, and interest in extra-curricular activities. Mr. Hiatt came to Franklin as 7th grade teacher and coach in 1935-36, moved up to high school as mathematics instructor, and in 1956-57 be¬ came principal. Dean of all coaching personnel in northwest North Carolina, his teaching of high ideals of sportsmanship and his example in clean living set him among those to be most admired. He has been and ever will be loved and respected by hundreds of boys and girls, men and women who know him as a man of the highest character. 8