High School of Charleston - Charlestonian Yearbook (Charleston, SC)

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HISTORY E have reached the end of the road now, and the diplomas that we have received signify that our high school days are over. But now that we have those pieces of paper which mean so much, we hardly know whether to heave a sigh of relief or one of regret. lt's hard to believe that after struggling so hard to get out of high school, we could be so reluctant to leave it. But we have the satisfaction of knowing that we've made history while we have been here. We are the first co-educational gradua- tion class in the history of the High School of Charleston. lt seems now that girls have revolution- ized the old school, and they have done a good jobg but it hasn't always been like this. As a matter of fact, one would never recognize this school as be- ing the same as the one which the frosh of '46 entered. Things have changed since then. You have just been initiated into the friendly fellowship of high school fraternity, was the way in which Mr. Henry Strohecker expressed it as we staggered into the chapel to be welcomed. We knew that we had been initiated, but in a manner which was entirely unexpected-and some of us still have scars to prove it. Our first year was an experience never to be forgotten. We had to learn how to study, because from the first minute on, we were on our own. We idolized the seniors, and de- spised the juniors and sophomores. We cheered at the football games and worshipped the players, even though they would not condescend to even sneer at us. But even though we were sometimes persecuted in a manner similar to that of the early Christians, we not only lived through it but we loved it. Our sophomore year was one of many changes. The beloved old Memminger High School was con- demned to be razed and some of its all-girl student body was forced to come to CHS. We were con- founded at first. No one could picture the drab halls, which for a hundred twelve years had echoed to nothing but the ribald and boisterous laughter of male voices, being 'filled with the colorful beauty of Charleston's flowering womanhood. But with the girls came a new attitude toward student life. Their zest and activity permeated the very halls and soon the old school took a new lease on life. The Bantam spirit, instead of being extinguished, acquired new meaning in our hearts, and being a part of CHS meant more than it ever had before. lt was with this inspiration that we entered our junior year. The never-ending toil over the books continued, but we didn't mind too much, because we had come to realize that the faculty weren't such demons after all, and that most of them really wanted us to pass. Mr. Strohecker had taken a position as registrar at the University of South Car- olina and we had a new principal in the person of Mr. David Stoney. He quickly adjusted himself to our needs and problems and cooperated with us in every way. By now, we had come to assume vari- ous positions of leadership in the school and had begun to prepare ourselves to be seniors. We felt a great loss when Coach E. C. Seabrook resigned as head coach of the football team. For fifteen years Coach Ephie had turned out teams which had brought fame and honor to the Rutledge Avenue Institution, but he had decided to call it quits and settle down to teaching. His job was well done. Spring came tripping in and sneaking right behind it came exams. The end-of-the year test claimed a few of the unwary, but most of us were ready and eager when fall came. The time had come at last! No longer did we look up to anyone. We were on top of the totem pole now, and it felt good! But added responsi- bility was also placed upon us, because we had to set the example for the others, now. We set busily about the various tasks which had to be ac- complished. The Annual Staff began its labors once again and the other organizations continued to function. Many memories were impressed upon us. A dream of many years was finally realized. For the first time, we had a gymnasium to call our own . . . the football season had its share of thrills in the upset victory the Birds pulled over the North Charleston Blue Devils . . . the thirtieth anniversary of Joe Conyers as janitor of the school and trainer of the football team was celebrated. Ol Huss has taken care of teams at the high school since 1920. These and other things enriched our lives and experiences at CHS, but the time has come when we must leave the old school and enter into various walks of life. But though we may venture far away, our thoughts and actions will always be influenced by the many hours of work and play spent at the school which will always be dear to our hearts, the High School of Charleston. S

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WALTERS BARBARA JEAN WALTERS Her smile outweighs a dozen lrow Transfer from Monclrs Corner '5I: Sports '5I. BETTY BARRS WENZEL A spirit pure as hers is always pure. Bantam Staff '48 '49 Glee CI b '50 '5l, Al S , 5 , u . ' t. ports 49, '50. Head Cheerleader 'Eli Att. eniom WENZEL Bobby FRANCES PATRICIA WILLIAMS Pat' A smile is the trademark ol a happy soul. Office Monitor '48g Bantam Statt '48, '49, Assistant Busi ness Manager '497 Camera Club '5O: Glee Club '5I: J. H. A. '5Ig Charlestonian Staff '5Ig F. T. A. '5Ig Alt. Sports '49 450, '5l. rr TIS. LALIRENCE WOOD His love ol lile has made him liked by all. President ol Class '497 Yacht Club '49: l-li-Y Club '49, '5I Delegate to Boys' State '5O: Key Club '50, '5I, President '5I District Convention Chairman '5Ig Intramural Sports '48, '49 15' f 'ii 'I 'I WILLIAMS WOOD ' 32

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OUTSTANDING Clmbifmm FRIENDLIEST MOST LIKELY TO SLICCEED BEST DRESSED Dolly Jean Dennis Virginia Kloelopel Pat Adiclcfa Walter Qllic laclf Stilwell Billy Millar fr fr' . Q I? 3 2, ' Lf i 'ie Avg E-Kg G.. WITTIEST Jeanie Strickland Creighton l-lay BEST LOOKING Vionne Brown Otto Martens 34 BEST ALL-ROUND Florence Cargill Waller Ollie