Peabody High School - Lion Yearbook (Petersburg, VA)

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It is the profound pleasure of the class of nineteen hundred and seventy to dedicate our annual year book to Peabody High School. 13

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In the cities of Virginia Free Schools were established prior to the advent of the state system of public education which was instituted in 1870 . In this particular, Petersburg in 1868, through a grant from the city, and a contribution from the Peabody Fund, iyas the second city to establish free schools for all, irrespective of race, colbr, or social stratification. Six years later, a twelve -room brick Structure, named Peabody, because much of the funds donated for its cPnStruction was given by the late George Peabody, a wealthy philanthropist noted for his contribution of huge sums of money for edu- cational purposes in the South, was erected on the corner of Harrison and Fillmore Streets. This building housed the high school and grammar grades, with a curriculum offering only one or two courses. In 1925 Peabody, after having been moved from its original site to the present day location, Wesley and Federal Streets, was organized into a high school with a curriculum devoted entirely to secondary instructions. An observer of the history of Peabody will readily recognize the many changes it has undergone. In all there have been three principals; the late A. M, Walker, the late C. S. Scott and the present principal, E. E. Rainey. The curriculum of Peabody High School has undergone enrichment and standardization. This change has been brought about through the institution of counselors for each grade level and the installation of new equipment. The present day Peabodian can proudly boast of a faculty in which many not only have acquired a Bachelor Degree, but a few also hold the Master Degree . The occupants of the building of Peabody, likewise have contributed their share to the progress of Peabody. Recognition has been won- not only in sports, but numerous awards have been captured in the areas of scholarship, citizenship, science, math, drama, music, etc. The preceding paragraphs have given a brief, but factual report of the history of Peabody. It is a history devoid of the emotions of the people who matriculated at this great institution. This history cannot depict accurately the struggle in- volved in the creation of the present day Peabody. It cannot tell what, dreams our forefathers visualized when they first set out to build Peabody. It cannot record the happiness, warmth and yes, even the tears shared here by Peabodians at the losing of a game, the winning of a championship, the passing of a class, the receiving of a scolding, the purchasing of a ring or the plain -- old every day joy of seeing one ' s classmates. These are not facts. Thus they cannot be recorded. To insure present day and former Peabodians that references toward these mo- ments and these cherished memories will be recorded, we, the senior class of ' 70 dedicate the 1970 Lion to Peabody High.

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The eighth graders produce varied emotions in the pep rally. Some are wildly enthusiastic, while others enjoy personal conversations. Our lunch breaks will always be remembers, say the ninth graders. Even times of scolding will linger in the minds of the Peabodians Senior activities climax five meaningful years. CHERISHED MOMENTS OF PEABODY To each Peabodian, Peabody has its own special mem- ories. But there are a few cherished moments shared by all Peabodians -- the loud and lively pep rallies in which we gave full vent to our emotions, the daily ex- changing of gossip in the cafeteria in which only the most timely topics were discussed, the awaited day -- Senior Talent Day, in which we displayed our talents because we had finally reached that greatly anticipated time -- Senior Time, our inflated thoughts which were brought about by the mere purchase of a class ring, those dreaded but necessary hours which were spent in the ' ■ library getting out an assignment, those feelings of horror and anxiety which were produced from repeated excur- sions by the Aimex Office, the feeling of exhiliration experienced by Latin student when they have finally crossed the Rubicon with Caesar and have gone across the last set of Alps with Hannibal and lastly, the pleasant sound of the ding-dong at three-fifteen, indicating another day had ended. 14