Graham High School - Graham Yearbook (Bluefield, VA)

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HE CLASS HISTORY CHAPTER I—FRESHMEN On a bright September morning in nineteen hundred and forty-three a band of eager freshmen launched on a high school career. There were approximately 115 of us to start, but a few of us fell by the wayside. Perhaps no class of Graham High School has lived through more exciting or history making times. We were young, it is true, but we did realize that things were taking place which would shape all our destinies. Our faithful sponsors, Mrs. Presley and Miss Riggsby, must have been sorely tried at times, but they remained patient and wise counsellors. Under the leadership of our class president, Boo Dishman, we did our patriotic bit by selling and buying war stamps and bonds. At the close of the term, to our amazement, most of us became sophomores. CHAPTER II—SOPHOMORES In the fall of °44 we entered G. H. S. as sophomores. The war still raged and at times it seemed it would never end. Many of us waited anxiously for news of friends or relatives. We began to grow up in the year of ’44, to realize that life wasn’t all fun. Mrs, Presley and Mrs. Gillenwater were our able sponsors and Dick Fuqua was our class president, who led in many-of our school activities. Each year found us losing and adding new members. In our sophomore year, Phyllis Simpkins, Anne Akers, and Jack Dalton, came to our class. When the school term closed, the goal ahead——that of becoming juniors—was now a reality. CHAPTER III—JUNIORS September, nineteen hundred and forty-five, found us starting on our career as juniors. This proved to be our busiest year in high school, as there were so many things to be done besides our lessons. Mrs. Wetzel and Miss Robinson were our sponsors and helped us over many a rough spot. The class play ‘‘The Orchid Limousine’? was a huge success. The funds derived from this helped make the Junior-Senior banquet and prom a very delightful affair, Many boys who had been in the service returned to school. Most of them had been overseas, and had many stories of interest to tell. Our year as juniors had been a successful one, and we left school looking forward to becoming ‘dignified’ seniors. CHAPTER IV—SENIORS This closing chapter is difficult to write—so much to be said that must be left unsaid—so many friends to say goodby to. Our four years together have been gay and sad in turn, but we shall always cherish the memories they bring. We owe much to our sponsors, Mrs. Wetzel and Mrs. Damron, and perhaps the fact that most of us will graduate, will repay them in small measure. Our activities this year included publishing ‘““THE GRAHAM ATOM” once a month, Kenneth Walker being editor, sponsoring an annual, and presenting the senior play. To our group this year came Bobby Mullins, David Beverly, Patsy Coleman, and Queteen Kiser. We also have a group of returned G, I.’s, namely Clyde Wysor, David Amburn, Kenneth Walker, Ralph Bowling, and Joe Ernest. Looking back we can say ‘‘Nothing is left now but majestic memory.” JEANNETTE BARNETT, Chairman PHYLLIS SIMPKINS, Lois KINZER

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It CLASS PRUPHELY “Well, ‘Lank’ is still at Graham. He still has hopes of becoming principal. ‘Lank’ was always optimistic anyway,’’ sighed Rebecca. “If you're ever down Falls Mills, you should stop and see some of your old classmates there. Emily Ruth McKenzie married Jim Hale and they are now the proud operators of the Hale Dairy. “T think ‘Millie’ Muncy still lives there also. Alvin finally got out of the army and they are married, ‘Millie’ was formerly employed as secretary to S. S. Kresges.'’ added Rebecca. “Isn't it exciting having an old classmate being crowned Miss America?” inquired Rebecca. “'I was referring to Lots Kinzer of course.”’ “Did you get to see Murtel McClintock before she left for Cuba? ’ asked Paul. “You have heard of the new drug store in Bluefield, Virginia haven't you? Well, Mary Frances Yost is the proud owner, and Margaret Landreth is her secretary. David Hoge is the new doctor there. He specializes in broken heart cases. His most loyal patient 1s Frances Harman,’’ added Rebecca. “Joyce Hoops and Shirley Belcher live in Tazewell. Shirley married the promising young post- master. Joyce Leffel made her fortune in the auto business there also,’’ replied Rebecca. At this point Rebecca happened to realize just how long her visit had been. She hastily arose to leave. She remembered they were a nice class and excellent singers also. MILDRED MUNCY FRANCES NEAL

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Hit CLASS WILL We, the Senior Class of Graham High School, realizing that the parting day is nigh and we must part with the beloved valuables that we have so many years treasured, do hereby dispose of them in the following manner making all previous wills null and void. To our most cherished sponsors, Mrs. Kathleen Damron and Mrs. Louise Wetzel, we leave our undying love and appreciation for they will play a big part in later years’ reminiscences of our high school days. To our principal, Mr. T. M. Gillespie, we leave our precious book, entitlkd HOW TO ESCAPE PRISON, as we no longer have use for it. It has taken us eleven years to learn these facts. To the faculty, we leave only our memories because half the fun of an experience is thinking back over it years later. To the present juniors and future seniors, we leave our ability to sing well in assembly. We, the Senior Class, dispose of our possessions as follows: Loutse Angles wills her ability to make lettuce sandwiches in the cafeteria to Vivian Crigger, who specializes in that sort of work. Queteen Kiser leaves her feministic figure to Mary Lou Hoge. Since she is so fond of Chico, Muriel Mc- Clintock does not wish to will him, but she would like to leave her favorite record, ‘‘New Spanish Two-Step’’ to Jeanne Van Dyke. David Beverly leaves his right to loaf in the drug store to “Homer’’ Baldwin. Arlene Anderson leaves her roller-skates to Phyllis Wyrick. Gerald Crabtree leaves his reserved table at the pool room to Pierce Devor, and his bright yellow tie to Harold Robinson, Betty Beavers wills her ‘““oomph’’ to Janice Beard. So Dorothy Tolbert may get along with the teachers, Patsy Coleman wills her sweet disposition to her. Catherine Jessee wills her home-ward rides on Black Diamond trucks to Betty Sturges. Margaret Landreth wishes to dispose of her big-mouth by giving it to Peggy Harvey. Rebecca Barksdale wills her love and desire to be an actress to Gloria Andes, and her New York hair-styles to Nancy French. Eathelie Fife wills her ‘‘Lana Turner hair’’ to anyone who wants it. Frances Harman, against her will, leaves her diamond ring to Margaret Tiller. Kenneth ‘‘Poppy’’ Walker would like to leave his masculine physique and ability to make himself heard to Emmette Shufflebarger, so he may successfully lead the cheers next year. Betty Jackson leaves her date book filled with Colin to Edith Hall. Nancy Yost leaves her ability to perform on the basketball court to Nancy Long. Mary Helen McCormick leaves her pepso- dent smile to Sara Crabtree. Joe Ernest wills his ‘‘Spike’’ in his football shoes to Annette Leftwich, or would she rather have his “‘Kerley’’ hair? Alyce Robertson leaves her ability to talk like Miss Connelly to Elizabeth Neel. James Wallace leaves his ““Corney’’ jokes to Bob Cyphers. Ray Durham eaves his sincerity to Roy McGrady, Betty Poteet gives her ‘‘peaches and cream” complexion to Marie Folks. David Hoge wills his afternoon walks with Barbara Morgan to Emmette Shufflebarger. Alfred Minton leaves his ‘‘Lead-head’’ to Joe Coon, Sue Hawks wills her questions and answers to June Akers. Mildred Muncy wills her army dates to Maxine McKenzie. Ralph Browning leaves his artistic ability to George Deaton, Christine Harry would like to leave her brown eyes to Phyllis Anderson. Dick Fuqua leaves his inspiring arguments with Mrs. Wetzel in English to anyone who dares to express his opinion, Clyde “‘Lank’’ Wysor leaves his title as “Swoon King’’ to Larry Ernest. Phyllis Simpkins leaves her musical ability to Peggy Steele.