Grafton High School - Re Echo Yearbook (Grafton, WV)

Page 9 text:

Hiss Ruth Batten Dedication We, the Seniors of 1952, dedicate the 1952 Re-Echo to Miss Ruth Batten. Miss Batten has taught English in Grafton High School since coming here in 1921. She has directed numerous plays and is at present the sponsor of Troupe 171 of the National Thespian Society. She is also the advisor to the literary staff of the Re-Echo and spends considerable time correcting and proof-reading articles. As a senior sponsor she also gives advice and aid in the planning of senior activities. Miss Batten received her B. A. and M. A. degrees from West Virginia University and later attended Duke University. We feel that every member of the graduating class of 1952 is indebted to Miss Batten and, with this in mind, we dedicate to her the 1952 Re-Echo. 5

Page 8 text:

Foreword Nothing now is left but majestic memories. —Longfellow We shall always treasure these full and happy memories of our senior year, memories of G. H. S.—the fun, the friends, the trials and tribulations that seemed so important then. The problems, however minor, that we solved will prove beneficial in seeing through life's maze of difficulties. While in high school we gained not only an education, but knowledge through experience which we shall need in solving our problems. In our future this 1952 Re-Echo will illuminate and reflect the happiness that we knew. In it are bound the memories of a full year. Contents Dedication 5 Appreciation Royalty Administration 6 7 9 Seniors Classes 17 35 Activities Athletics Advertising 49 67 77 4

Page 10 text:

Appreciation Mrs. Mildred Haddox We, the Senior Class of 1952, wish to convey our sincerest appreciation to Mrs. Mildred Haddox for the eight years which she devoted to the students of Grafton High School and their welfare. Mrs. Haddox came to Grafton High in 1942 and assumed the position of English and speech teacher but was forced to resign her post in 1950 due to illness. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from West Virginia University and has also attended Marshall and Davis and Elkins Colleges. During the time she taught at G. H. S., Mrs. Haddox was a junior advisor and acted as sponsor of the Thespians. She is well remembered for the excellent direction of the many plays that were presented under her supervision. M iss Blanche Guard We, the seniors of Grafton High School, would like to express our appreciation to Miss Blanche Guard, who appeared at the Homecoming celebration of Grafton High School. Miss Guard is one of the earliest graduates of Grafton High School. She attended a three-year course at the Central School on Wilford Street. She was a member of the graduation class of 1888, which numbered seven people. After graduating from high school. Miss Guard worked in the law office of her brother. Later she worked for Loar and Poe's General Store and for the Loar and Hendrick Clothing Store as bookkeeper and cashier. She was then employed by the Grafton Sentinel until her retirement in 1935. Again may we say. Thank you, to Miss Guard for her welcome contribution to our school activity. Mr. W. Merle Watkins For his outstanding contribution to society, we, the Seniors of 1952, express our appreciation to W. Merle Watkins. Mr. Watkins, present judge of the circuit court of Taylor and Barbour counties, graduated from Grafton High School in 1898 and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from West Virginia University. He taught four years in Taylor County schools, was our first athletic coach, and introduced the sport of basketball into our community. During his coaching tenure football, basketball, and baseball teams represented Grafton High School on the field and floor. Mr. Watkins later enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania and received his law degree in 1910. He has been practicing law ever since. Judge Watkins was the last mayor of Grafton under the mayor and council form of government. He has acted as city attorney, served for three terms as prosecutina attorney of Taylor County, and at one time held the office of state senator from this district.