Joseph Kershaw Academy - Epaulet Yearbook (Camden, SC)

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Principal Through the hard work of many people the Joseph Kershaw Academy became, not just a dream, but a reality. This was the first year and you were the first students. This was a good year because the Trustees. P.T.O., Teachers, Parents, and Students worked hard to make it a successful year. As we look to the future, let us work with determination to make our school the most out- standing in South Carolina. Then you may always say with great pride, I am a student of the Joseph Kershaw Academy. Mrs. Dan Lovett SECRETARY Mrs. Hilda Simmons has served as Secretary for Joseph Kershaw Academy during 1965—66. 5

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History of our School The Joseph Kershaw Academy The Joseph Kershaw Academy opened its doors for the Fall Term of 1965. This school was born of a need, and the recognition of that need; from precedents galore; and from the inspiration, interest and hard work on the part of parents, committees and a host of interested people. The town of Camden was founded and settled and developed in much the same way over two hundred years ago. The town was planned and laid out by men with a purpose beyond their own immediate needs. The wide streets and the parks just didn't happen—they were planned. Early in 1965 several committees, one following the other, planned for the development of a private school. It was recognized that few two hundred years our schools, whatever the form, were developed and controlled by those most interested in the education and welfare of the children of the community—name- ly the local citizens who were represented by the local school boards. These local boards determined the school policies, including the curriculum, which were coordinated with the requirements of higher educa- tion and of course the local social, economic, patriotic, and religious principles. Parallel to those schools operated and supported by taxes, Camden was fortunate in having Private Schools available also for those desiring particular instruction, and the success of the private schools are a matter of record of satisfactory results. When a transfer of local and state authority over the schools to the more distant Washington became apparent in 1965, it was determined by a canvass of a representative cross section of the community, that a private school was not only desirable but actually a serious need. Also it was realized that with today's economic competition and scientific life, a more thorough and complete education would be required, and of course the basis for this lay with the primary schools. In addition and quite as important was the belief of the founders of Joseph Kershaw Academy, that our children should have the complete opportunity of learning and practicing loyalty and patriotism, to our country, and to the religious principles held by the individual. So, with this philosophy as a background, the organizing committee (selected and established in a public meeting in the spring of 1965) with full authority to determine the feasibility and the desirability of such a school, started their work. With no money and no building or property, with no formal com- mitment for students or teachers, the committee nevertheless persevered and after a long and careful study of the question, recommended that a school be organized to meet the demands of a large segment of the community. A charter was applied for. At a formal meeting called for the purpose, the charter was adopted and accepted with enthusiasm, and a Board of Trustees was elected, (the same members of the Study Com- mittee were elected Board Members). The board was instructed to proceed with the development of a private school. The school was named the Joseph Kershaw Academy in honor of both men by that name who con- tributed so much to the development and welfare of Camden-Joseph Kershaw who settled Camden in the 1750's and his grandson General Joseph B. Kershaw of the Confederate Army of the 1860's. From a survey of potential students it was found that the school could support eight grades. This would mean eight teachers, and in order to be in position to hire and guarantee salaries, it was necessary to get formal, legal promises of support. This was accomplished by a large number of friends of the school who signed promissory notes and in some cases made donations. Without these friends and their faith and help the school could not have opened. With this support and backing the Board was able to enter into contract with eight of the finest qualified teachers available, and under the able leadership of the working principal, the hard working Board, the office personnel, and with the help of the active P.T.A., the school has operated its first year with approximately 125 students, and is looking forward with confidence to serving the community in the educational field in the years to come. 4

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Faculty LEFT TO RIGHT: Mrs. Irma Hall, Mrs. Caroline Hidy, Miss Lucy Hines, Mrs. Madge O'Cuin, Mrs. Jacquelyn Lovett, Mrs. Primrose Green, Mrs. Elva Pitsenbarger, Mrs. Angie duRant. 1. Mrs. Madge O'Cain; A.B. - Converse College 2. Mrs. Primrose Green; A. B. - Converse College -- Sociology 3. Mrs. Irma Hall; A.B. - Converse College 4. Mrs. Angie duRant; B.A.- Coker College -- Social Studies and Religious Education 5. Mrs. Elva Pitsenbarger; B.A. - Mary Washington College of University of Virginia--History and Social Studies 6. Mrs. Jacquelyn Lovett; M.A. -- Auburn University; B.S.—Wesleyan College—Science, Mathe- matics, Physical Education. 7. Miss Lucy Hines; B.A.—Hollins College and University of South Carolina—English 8. Mrs. Caroline Hidy; B.A.--University of Ohio—French, Languages 6