Patrick County High School - Archive Yearbook (Stuart, VA)

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o With Honor As the crowd cheers, Lt. Col. Hatcher exclaims, “Go Cougars!

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“ I’ll tell you the sweetest words I ever heard were by my two daughters; ‘Here comes Daddy’,” states Col. Hatcher. Beaming with pride in her husband, Mrs. Hatcher receives a standing ovation. Lieutenant Colonel David Hatch¬ er, a prisoner of war in Hanoi, North Vietnam, delivered a very moving speech at a special assembly held March 14, 1973. Lt. Col. Hatch¬ er completely held the students and many guests gathered in the gym in deep silence during his entire speech and was cordially received with standing ovations before and after his address. The POW had just returned to the United States 11 days earlier before he accepted the invitation to speak at PCHS. His entire talk centered around the faith that he and all of the POW’s had in God and that they never gave up hope that they might someday return to America. An excerpt from Hatcher’s state¬ ment displays the feelings of the POW. “And as the days, the years passed, there was our strength, our faith in God that helped us retain through those years. I will always keep faith in the United States of America. There were a number of opportunities throughout the years where our faith might have the op¬ portunity to wain. Of course, our captors were trying to encourage this. ’’ Col. Hatcher, who resides in near¬ by Mt. Airy, N. C., was among the first group to return to the United States and seemed to be in excellent health and definitely looked young¬ er than his age of 38. For almost seven years, Col. Hat¬ cher was held captive in what he continuously referred to as the “Hanoi Hilton.’’ Even though he had gone through a lot in all those years of captivity, he wasn’t bitter toward the U. S. for getting into this war. In fact, he could not have been more sincere in his patriotism for the United States.

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Miss Deb 74-75, Miss Joan Shelton, a freshman at Patrick County High School. Wreathed in smiles, Joan is crowned “Miss Deb” in first annual Miss Deb Pageant. Joan Shelton was crowned “Miss Deb” in the first annual Patrick County High School Miss Deb Pageant. The theme for the Pageant was set by Assistant Principal fohn Weatherman singing “Autumn Leaves.” Susie Semones provided piano accompaniment for the entire pageant. The Pageant was presented Saturday November 3, in the auditorium to benefit the library. First runner-up was Cathy Turner, other finalists were Joan Cox, Anne Wigington, Evette King, and Shirley Rakes. All were presented gifts. Vicki Hutchens was voted “Miss Congeniality ” by the girls. Entertainment was furnished between rounds. Turner and Lynn Foddrell, a father and son team, provided country music. Pam Collins, head majorette, performed a baton twirling routine. Penny Simmons sang and accompanied herself on the zither. Martha Tilley sang three selections with her sister fane accompanying on the piano. Master of Ceremonies was Dr. fames A. Law, O.D. Joan Shelton Crowned In Smiling with pride, Miss Congenality and the six finalists pose for pictures after the pageant. Tense but still smiling Anne Wigington makes her round on stage. 14