Benjamin Russell High School - Echo Yearbook (Alexander City, AL)

Text from Pages 1 - 80 of the 1955 volume:

THE ECHO 1955 Published by THE JOURNALISM CLASSES of THE BENJAMIN RUSSELL HIGH SCHOOL Alexander City, Alabama Alexander City Above: Junior High School Left: Jim Pearson School Avondale Below: Russell School ■ ■ ... v-« ►- Alexander City Board Of Education Thomas D. Russell, chairman G. W. Hulme, vice-chairman Sim Wilbanks, Dr. J. L. Miller, W. C. Adams Alexander City Schools The public school system of Alexander City has in its care the education of 2,321 students. The educational process is conducted by eighty-five teachers who work in four main units valued at $1,310,800. These units are the Alexander City Elementary and Junior High School, the Russell School, Jim Pearson School at Avondale and the Benjamin Russell High School. The system is kept in operation by Superintendent P. G. Myer and principals R. R. Vawter, R. Y. Scott, T. D. Kimbrough and S. C. Doss. Approximately one-fourth of the school enrollment—five hundred thirty-seven students—attends the Benjamin Russell High School, which has a staff of twenty-two teachers. In Memoriam JAMES ROY HINES One who never turned his back but marched breast forward, Never doubted clouds would break, Never dreamed, thou right were worsted, wrong would triumph. Held we fall to rise, are baffled to fight better, Sleep to wake.” From Epilogue to “Asolando by Robert Browning B. R. H. S. P. G. Myer Superintendent Birmingham Southern. A B. University of Ala.. M.A. Mrs. G. S. Campbell Commercial Howard College, B.S. M. L. Curvin Agriculture A.P.I.. A.D.. BS.. M.A. S. C. Doss Principal J.S.T.C.. B.S. Univ. of Ala.. M.A. Mrs. Mary Edna Carlisle English Howard College. A.B. A.P.I.. M.A. Mrs. M. L. Curvin Home Economics Alabama College. B.S. Vocational Mrs. J. C. Askew English Alabama College. A.B. W. B. Causey Industrial Arts A.P.I.. B.S. Mrs. J. A. Darden Secretary Massey Bus. College S. V. Bice Diversified Occupations Univ. of Ala., B.S. Mrs. John S. Coley English Alabama College. A.B. Mrs. Thomas Fuller Social Studies A.P.I., A.B.. B.S.M.S. Mrs. Jimmy Glass Physical Education A.P.I., B.S. Mrs. J. M. Heacock Science A.P.I., B.S. S. H. Lyon Physical Education Univ. of Ala.. B.S. Mrs. Harold Gray History J.S.T.C., B.S. William Kelley Math Univ. of Ala.. B.S. Mrs. Omer McGhee Librarian Alabama College. B.S. Murray S. Hammond Science Wofford College. B.S. A.P.I.. M.S. Charles Lee Science A PI., B.S. Miss Marilyn Scofield Speech Birmingham Southern. A.B. Mrs. E. P. Hatzel Algebra Peabody College, B.S. W. F. Lee Band West Kentucky. B.S. Univ. of Iowa. M.S. Mrs. Fletcher Swindall Home Economics A.P.I., B.S. BENJAMIN RUSSELL HIGH SCHOOL The Benjamin Russell High School contains thirty-five classrooms, with a Fine Arts Auditorium, cafeteria and kitchen, library, health clinic, dark room equipped with modern audio-visual equipment, gymnasium, room for developing pictures, industrial arts shop, agriculture shop, two science laboratories, home economics kitchen, sewing room, and model bedroom and living room, offices for the principal, librarian, lunchroom supervisor, athletic director, and numerous lounges for teachers and students. Accredited in 1951, the Benjamin Russell High School offers a wide variety of both cultural and vocational subjects. Subjects offered to the freshmen are English, Algebra or General Math, Science, Civics, Vocational Agriculture I, Shop, Speech, Band, Chorus, and Physical Education. Sophomores may elect from the following courses: English, Plane Geometry, Biology, World History, Home Economics, Vocational Agriculture II, Shop, Business Arithmetic and Law, Speech, Band, Chorus, and Physical Education. Juniors may elect from the following courses: English, American History, Algebra, Home Economics II, Diversified Occupations, Bookkeeping, Tvping I, Physics, Speech, Band, Chorus, and Physical Education. Seniors may choose their courses from these subjects: English, Democracy, Journalism. Diversified Occupations, Typing I or II, Driving, Physics, Speech, Band. Chorus, and Physical Education. Mrs. G. S. Campbell CLASS SPONSORS Seniors S. V. Bice Mrs. Jimmy Glass Juniors Miss Nellie Bonner Mrs. Paul Hatzel Mrs. Harold Gray W. B. Kelley Sophomores Mrs. J. C. Askew Mrs. M. L. Curvin Mrs. Mary Edna Carlisle Mrs. Dorris Swindall Miss Marilyn Scofield Freshmen W. B. Causey Mrs. Thomas Fuller M. S. Hammond Mrs. J. M. Heacock Mrs. O. L. McGhee Charles Lee CLUB SPONSORS F.F.A. F.H.A. Beta Club Student Council Key Club Photography Club D. O. Club F.T.A. Chorus Letter Club Band ............ Mr. Curvin Mrs. Curvin, Mrs. Swindall Miss Bonner Mrs. Fuller Mr. Bice Mr. Bice Mr. Bice Mrs. Askew, Mrs. Campbell Mr. Lee Mr. Lyon, Mr. Hammond Mr. Lee The ECHO and The CINDER Mrs. Askew First row: Wayne Baker, Mary Elizabeth Barnett, Glenda Bentley, Janis Bolan, Bobbie Bonner. Second row: Betty Jo Blankenship, Jack Ed Blankenship, Martha Blankenship, Joan Blanks, Patty Butler. Third row: Louise Motes Campbell, David Carlisle, Patricia Carter, Eulene Champion, Hazel Cheatham. Fourth row: Charlie Childers, Mabel Childers, John Coker, Neil Coker, Joe Errol Dean. Senior Class First row: Glenda Dennis, Jack Duncan, Nelda Forbus, Virginia Cannon Forbus, Shelvie Jean Gandy. Second row: Shirlene Gautney, Lorenzo Grant, Margaret Greene, Larry Gordon, Bill Gunn. Third row: Mary Alva Harrelson, Jack Harris, Henry Hatzel. Milton Hill, John Horsley. Fourth row: Marie Huggins, Mary Elizabeth Kimbrough, Blanche King, Nelda Lankford, Celeste Love. First row: Gail Love. Charles Loyd, Don Lucas, Celia Lumpkin, Betty Ann Mason. Second row: Betty Jean Mason, Anita Meadows, Virginia McAlister, Jo Ann Mc-Eachern, Gerald McGill. Third row: Glenda McGuire, Arnold Parrish, Carolyn Patterson, Sybil Pearce, Joyce Pemberton. Fourth row: George Pridmore, Douglas Reynolds, Virginia Richardson, Bettie Roberts, Sue Roberts. Senior Class First row: Rayford Robinson, Wade Robinson, Wayne Robinson, Sara Sallas, Ted Sanders. Second row: Wanda Sue Sanders, Ann Sanford, Sylvia Saunders, Barbara Schrimscher, Eleanor Scroggins. Third row: Elton Shaddix, Virginia Shaw, Harold Smith, William Smith, Shelby Jean Sprayberry. Fourth row: Allen Stearns, Paul Steele, Bobby Sumners, Glenn Talley, Shelby Tankersley. Senior Class First row: Norma Jean Tate, Claude Thomas, Larry Thomas, Johnny Thompson, Jean Tate Tarrance. Second row: Gerald Truett, Virgil (Buddy) Vernon, Betty Wallis, Shirley Waller, Douglas Wellborn. Third row: Marie White, Charles Wilkins, Annette Williams. Not shown: Gloria Turner, Jimmy Peppers, Robert Prestridge, Thomas Taunton, Paul Thomas. Seniors.............long, long ago! Left to right: Bill Gunn, Virginia Shaw, Blanche King, Celia Lumpkin, Barbara Schrimscher, Marie Huggins. Class History For about ninety-eight seniors, the year 1955 means graduation from high school and the time to face what we hope will be a bright and happy future. Not all of us have been together for twelve years, but the majority of us have been together throughout most of our school years, and we have welcomed the newcomers as they arrived. Our class is a very representative one, for we have those who participate in all sports and those who take active part in clubs and organizations. Our class is no exception to what you would expect to find in any class of our size. We have some “brains” and some who are not so “brainy, some very shy students and some who are just the opposite, and of course those good ‘ole’ average everyday students—all of whom we would be lost without. We all like to be together, 1 think, and we have many highlights of the year which we look forward to. Our trip to Washington, our “Sneak Day, the Junior-Senior Prom, the Senior banquet and of course graduation, these are events we are sure to long remember. I suppose, however, the day after graduation we will awake and find we have not finished, but are really just beginning. Celia Lumpkin Historian First row: Carolyn A. Ballard, Shirley Jean Blair, Alice Blake, Arnold Blankenship, Allison Blythe, Barbara Bradberry. Second row: Jimmy Britton, Carolyn Brown, Sara Nell Brown, Bobby Jo Channell, Bobby Clackley, Bobby Coker. Third row: Emily Jo Coleman, Charles Daniels, Robert Davis, Hugo Denham, Paul Farmer, Sue Fincher. Fourth row: Jean Fisher, Johnny Foshee, Shirley Fuller, Doris Funderburk, Winnie Jo Funderburk, Sandra Futral. Fifth row: Barbara Germany, Judy Gooden, Seward Goss, C. L. Gregg, Daphne Grimsley, Lamar Guice. Junior First row: Bobby Gunn, Richard Hammock, Louise Hanna, Jimmy Harris, Mary Elizabeth Hart, Catherine Hodge. Second row: Wayne Hornsby, Edward Johnson, George Johnson, Jimmie Johnston, Bob Jones, Frances Jones. Third row: Peggy Jones, Terry Jones. Jeanette Keel, Faye Lankford, Jimmy Ted Lewis, Wayne Limbaugh. Fourth row: Maylon Love, Jimmy Loyd, Lee Mann. Sue Mann, Johnny Mann, Dot Martin. Fifth row: Charles Mask, Janet Massey, Julia McAlister, Burren McCain, Billy McGhee, Guynette McGuire. First row: Charles McLeod, Doris Miller, June Monroe, Evelyn Moore, Edsell Mullins, Marion Neighbors. Second row: Jeanine Nelson, Jerry O’Neil, Buel Parker, Carolyn Pemberton, Cecelia Peters, Julia Phur-rough. Third row: Kermit Pike, Jane Price, Patricia Porch, Gene Poole, Donald Pritchard, John Queen. Fourth row: Bobby Rainwater, Diane Ray, Voncille Robinson, Lynn Royal, Carl Sansom, Jeanette Saxon. Fifth row: Gene Scott, Carolyn Scott, Jean Segrest, Howard Sharpe, Betty Smith, Donnie Smith. First row: Dorothy Smith, Frances Smith, Judy Smith, June Smith, Troy Smith, Mary Frank Sorrell. Second row: Bernard Speaks, Larry Speaks, Wayne Speaks, Glenda Steele, Warner Jean Stephens, Margaret Stewart. Third row: Faye Strickland, Nellie Jo Taunton, Larry Thomas, Pat Thompson, Melvin Towns, Charlene Turner. Fourth row: Gary Turner, Gwen Veasey, George Vernon, Billy Waites, Carrie Lee Walls, Zelia Warren. Fifth row: Betty Wilbanks, Marion Williamson, Glenn Wilson, Peggy Wilson, Kathleen Worley, Gloria Wright. First row: Mary Jane Abernathy, Joyce Akin, Ilatherine Akin, Neal August, Lithia Ann Baker, Lowell Bentley. Second row: Robert Bice, Gloria Blair, James Blankenship, Janice Brock, J. D. Brooks, Merrell Caldwell. Third row: Rosemary Campbell, Beatrice Carter, Larry Clark, Patricia Clark, Hansel Cheatham, Darryl Coker. Fourth row: Gerald Coker, Linda Cook, Glenda Cooley, Gloria Corley, Loretta Daniel, Douglas Dark. Fifth row: Bufrey Dean. Linda Sue Daniels, Bennie Denham. Sophomore First row: Patricia Dooley, Mary Jane Eason, Darryl Fiquette, Tommy Fox, Betty Ruth Fuller, Diane Fulton. Second row: Judy Futral, Marie Futral, Wood Gaston, Dick Gilchrist, Clifton Gilliland, Harold Gordon. Class Third row: Judy Graves, Amos Hales, Lanay Harris, Larry Hawkins. Martha Henderson, Dwayne Hodge. Fourth row: John Jarvis, Don Johnson, Tommy Johnson, Rosemary Johnson, Shirley Johnston, Jerry Jones. Fifth row: Loretta Joiner, Wayne Keel, Ken Kerley . First row: Donald Lawhorn, Bill Mann, Haynes Mann, Wanda Maynard, Mona McCain, David McCord. Second row: Patricia McClellan, Martha Sue Mc-Eachern, Royce McGowin, Shirley McLeod, Nina Meacham, Kenneth Meadows. Third row: Byron Merritt, George Morris, Norman Neighbors, Larry Neighbors, Johnny Newberry, Jimmy Padgett. Fourth row: Shirley Parsons, Lynn Parrish, Byron Patterson, Roger Payne, Louis Pearce, Glenn Peppers. Fifth row: Louise Peppers, Lynn Peppers, Diana Prather. Sophomore First row: John Rainwater, Alva Rene Ray, Frank Allen Ray, Joy Reynolds, Delores Roberts, Sandra Roberts. Second row: Annette Scott, Billy Sewell, Mary John Seymore, Sonny Simpson, Tony Slagle, Jimmy Speaks. Class Third row: Tommie Sue Stephens, Sandra Stevens, Faye Stewart, Alvin Tate, Jimmy Tate, Sharon Taylor. Fourth row: Bobby Turner, Hazel Turner, Herschel Walker, Ann Warren, Norma Washburn, Janice Wellborn. Fifth row: June Williams, Avis Wood, Nancy Wood, Betty Woodruff. First row: Jerry Abbet, Adelia Adams, Beverly Adamson, Gary Adamson, Jerry Allen, Bobby Anderson, Jerone Anthony. Second row: Jo Ann Askew, Ernest Askin, Faye Belyeu, Bruce Bentley, Bernard Bishop, James Blake, Ann Boggs. Third row: Warren Bolan, Bobby Bowen. Jimmy Bradshaw, Lowell Britton, Hilda Brown, Johnnie Lee Brown, Judy Brown. Fourth row: Charles Bryant. Bonnie Burkhalter, Mavis Caldwell, Myra Jane Champion, Carey Coker, Harold Coker, Jerry Coker. Fifth row: Joe Ann Coker, Bobby Coleman, Harold Curlee, Shirley Curlee, Bobby Dark. Dorothy Davis. Ronnie Dean. Sixth row: Charlotte Dennis, Fred Dobbs, Sandra Duck, Bobby Duck, Judy Duncan, Mary Duncan, Laura Bell Dykes. Freshman First row: Edna Mae Epperson, Shirley Fuller, Jeanette Fuller, Donald Fuller, Willie Funderburk, Dianne Funderburk, Ralph Frohsin. Second row: Larry Forman, Bobby Forehand. Betty Jean Forbus, Billy Floyd. Donald Gaston, Charles Grant, Kenneth Grant. Third row: Eugene Goss, Mack Goss, Joanne Gray, Patsy Green, Warner Grimsley, Earl Guice, Marie Hamilton. Fourth row: Elizabeth Hammock, Shirley Harris, Alice Faye Harrison, Marie Harvell, Buddy Heacock, Jacob Henderson, Helen Holladay. Fifth row: Patricia Holman, Virginia S. Hutcherson, Peggy Jarvis, Wayne Jarvis, Barbara Johnson, Carol A. Johnson, Vernice Johnson. Sixth row: Gerald Jones, Harriet Jones, Hilda Jones .Jack Jordon. Shirley Jordon. Joyce Keel. John Wayne King. First row: Donald Lankford, Bobby Lee, Ted Love, Elizabeth Lyon, Barbara Mann, Leon Mask, Sarah Massey. Second row: Elizabeth Maynard, Peggy McClellan, Jean McDaniel, George McDaniel, Larry McGuire, Gynette Meigs, Eyvonne Melton. Third row: Anita Milam, Charlene Mims, Betty Ruth Moore, Jimmy Morris, Colyer Motes, Lonnie Murphy, Walter Myer. Fourth row: Joan Nivens, Edd Nolen, Peggy O’Neil, Bennie Parks, Johnny Parrish, Molly Pate, Faye Patterson. Fifth row: Milford Patterson, Patricia Patterson, Joyce Pemberton, Billy Pike, Emily Porch, Patsy Prince, Henry Rape. Sixth row: Dorothy Ray, Gail Ray, Donald Reynolds, Jerry Reynolds, Jimmy Rich, Joe Richardson, Peggy Rigglcy. First row: Jeanette Robinson, Peggy Rushing, John Sallas, Dan Scott, Buddy Sevell, Nancy Sharpe. Robert N. Sharpe. Second row: Lawson Shaw, Billy Smith, Johnny Smith, Wilma Smith, Woody L. Smith, Betty Jean Speaks, Jerry Stark. Third row: Berkerly Steele, Jimmy Stewart. Rodney Steele, Charles Story, Barbara Suggs, Dwight Talley, Jimmy Tankersley. Fourth row: Charles Tate, Wade Tate, Bertha Taunton, Jeanette Taylor, Ann Thompson, Sybil Thornton, Farrell Tidwell. Fifth row: Willojean Tidwell, Misha Tow-ery, Luther Trussell, Shirley Turner, Faye Vickers, Bobby Waites, Bobby Waldrop. Sixth row: Roger Whitley, Martha Williams, Wayne Williams, Troy Williamson, Elizabeth Wilson, Howard Wilson, O’Neal Wright. Prophecy I looked into the future.. 1975 .....and I saw that Wayne Baker will be one of Alabama’s leading politicians with his persuasive voice, that Jack Blankenship will become the future manager of A P, that David Carlisle will he one of LIFE’s leading photographers, that Charley Childers will be Secretary of Agriculture, and that John Coker will become a millionaire playboy on Park Avenue in New York. Neal Coker will be a pitcher for the New York Yankees, Joe Errol Dean will make a mark in the world as professor of history at Emory University, while Jack Duncan will be known as one of the country's leading doctors. Larry Gordon’s unforgettable poetry will earn him a place in literatuer’s Hall of Fame, and Lorenzo Grant will become a six-star general. As president of the United States, Bill Gunn will hire Jackie Harris as Secretary of Interior and will also try to secure the services of Milton Hill, w'ho will be a salesman for C.B.S.-T.V. Henry Hatzel, Valentino of the modern screen, will have as horticulturist of his 7,000 acre estate, John Horsley. Sport waiters will acclaim the marvelous abilities of Red Loyd, fullback for the Detroit Lions, and Don Lucas, shortstop for the New' York Yankees. Gerald McGill w'ill be voted “Man of the Year” and his wife will be named one of Alabama’s gracious ladies. The field of music will claim Arnold Parrish, who will win a scholarship to New' York’s Conservatory of Music, and “Little” Jimmy Peppers will have been rated greater than Hank Williams before he is twenty five. The aw'ard for the best attendance record w'ill go to Robert Prestridee. and the TV varietv show award will be won by George Pridmore for his show called “When I Smile, The World Smiles Too.” Wayne Robinson will receive the annual award for “Comedian of the Year.” TV fashions will be designed by Wade Robinson and will be contradictory to the Dior look. Rayford Robinson will be one of the top designers of floats used in the Rose Bow'l parade. 1975 will find Ted Sanders in Hollywood emceeing at the Brown Derby. Douglas Reynolds, as proprietor of one of the leading poultry ranches, w'ill have as his business manager, William Smith. Elton Shaddix will be a hair stylist and Harold Smith will own a chain of dry cleaning establishments. Allen Stearns will own a hat factory, and Glenn Talley will own Avondale Mills. Paul Steele will discover cures for diseases yet unknowm to man, w'hile Bobby Sumners will never have to work because of his marriage to a Key West heiress. Thomas Taunton, as captain of the Queen Elizabeth steamship, will entertain guests aboard his ship which will include Claude Thomas, one of Alabama's most successful politicians, Larry Thomas, inventor of a one-way rocket to Mars, and Paul Thomas, another Einstein in the world of science. Also in the party will be Johnnv Thompson, sports editor for the New' York Tribune and Buddy Vernon, star of a Broadway musical. Gerald Truett will design the automobile of the future, and his first consignment will be to Douglas Willbom. owner of the King Ranch in Texas. Charles Wilkins will be pastor of one of the largest churches in America. Mary Elizabeth Barnett will be secretary for the mayor of Birmingham, and Martha Blankenship will own large shares in all of the South’s Dairy Queen Drive-Ins. Glenda Bentley, who will own a fashionable dress shop in New York, will feature Betty Jo Blankenship as a model. Window decorator will be Bobbie Bonner. Among the famous customers of the shop will be Joan Blanks, outstanding educator, Janis Bolan, popular singer in radio and T.V. and Patty Butler, beauty consultant. Virginia Cannon will live in Washington, D. C., where her husband will be Secretary of the Navy. A neighbor of hers is Patricia Carter, who is living happily ever after with her husband, Fletcher Adamson. Eulene Champion, who is a drummer in Dezi Arnez’s band, will spend her vacation in Washington with Hazel Cheatham, who inherited a million dollars from her fifth cousin. In the South, the outstanding college president will be Clenda Dennis, of Agnes-Scott, and Nelda Forbus will be voted the South’s Homemaker of the Year. Mabel Childers will marry Curt Baker and will help him farm one of the largest plantations in the country. Shirlene Cautney will finish her fifteenth year as head majorette for the Mississippi State’s Dixie Darlings. Mary Alva Harrelson will be Alabama’s Most Gracious Lady and Marie Huggins will be awarded the Pulitzer Prize for literature. Shelvie Jean Gandy will be private secretary to John D. Rockefeller. Other New Yorkers will be Blanche King, ballet prima donna, Margaret Greene, nurses supervisor in the city hospital, and Mary Elizabeth Kimbrough, who will have a private school. Nelda Lankford will be touring the country, breaking records in her $20,000 hot rod, while Gail Love, movie star, will be on a personal appearance tour, and Jo Ann McEachern will run a dancing school for the natives in Hawaii. Living in Alexander City will be Celeste Love, Louise Motes (then Mrs. Campbell), Virginia McAlister. Virginia will be teaching physical education at B.R.H.S. Celia Lumpkin will be principal of our alma mater and Joyce Pemberton will teach mathematics. Clenda McGuire will be Educational Director in Natchez, Miss., and Betty Ann Mason will be instructor for the Texas Rangerettes. Anita Meadows, as musical director for Westminster College, will assist Carolyn Patterson when she makes her debut at Carnegie Hall. Beautician Sybil Pearce will encourage girls to wear short hair. Virginia Richardson, fabric designer, will double as set designer for the Sue Roberts Aquacade, the star of which will be Shelby Tankersley. Betty Jean Roberts will be press agent for the group. Norma Tate (then Mr.s Jones) and Jean Tate Tarrance will be living a life of luxury. Gloria Turner will buy the Spearmint Chewing Cum Corporation so that she can continue to give chewing gum away. Sara Sallas has moved to Georgia and is helping Wanda Sue Sanders run her hat shop. Ann Sanford will be managing her husband’s quartet. Barbara Schrimscher will go to Hollywood and teach Betty Grable how to dance. Another of her pupils will be Sylvia Saunders, a former Miss America. Starring in a TV comedy will be Eleanor Scroggins. Virginia Shaw will run a beach resort at Kowaliga; Selby Jean Sprayberry and Shirley Waller will teach at Harvard University. Betty Wallis will be on the list of the ten best-dressed women in America and Marie White will be the proud owner of the Kimberly Diamond Mines. Annette Williams will catch a wonderful man because of her sweet ways. The future—what does it hold? Who knows? But it's fun to guess! Sue Roberts .... Prophet 1954-55 Was The Year When September: October: November: December: January: February: March: April: May: School opened September 1 with the largest enrollment in BRHS history. A total of 544 students reported on opening day. . . . Virginia Richardson was elected as president of the Senior Class, and Jimmy Ted Lewis was chosen to head the Junior Class. . . . Jerry O’Neil was elected head cheerleader and students looked forward to the pep rallies during football season. Bill Gunn, president of the Student Council, had charge of the rallies. A “king-size” coke party was given for the students and faculty on the parking lot. . . . Don Lucas was elected as editor of the Echo. . . . Mary Elizabeth Kimbrough was “Homecoming Queen.” . . . And eighteen new members were taken into the Key Club. . . . E-B Day was observed. The FFA and FHA sponsored a Talent Show and Auction. . . . School was dismissed two days in observance of Thanksgiving. . . . Football season ended. Virginia Richardson was named as Good Citizenship Girl.” . . . The seniors broke all previous records in the Christmas card sales. . . . Letter Club initiation took a new turn with the project of tearing down the bleachers on the Bennie C. Russell Field. . . . The whole school took time out for a two-weeks Christmas holiday. Final semester exams came along the same week the annual went to press. . . . Basketball scores were beginning to soar. FFA sweetheart was elected. . . . Senior magazine sale was conducted. Beta Club state convention was held. Career Day was held, with occupational consultants on hand to advise students about their future. . . . Seniors went to Washington during the week’s spring vacation and A.E.A. holidays. Junior-Senior Dance was highlight of the month and the first of the commencement festivities. . . . FFA and FHA participated in the annual county Field Day. . . . The Delta Kappa Gamma honored future teachers with a tea. Final examinations. . . . Graduation services on Sunday, May 29 and Monday, May 30, when diplomas were given out and awards made for outstanding contribution to the school. Commencement—the end and the beginning, a new way of life for some and for others a vacation from studying until that familiar gong sounds in September. L. F eatures Class Poem As we march upon the stage, Many thoughts come to our minds. We think of all the days to come And of those left behind. A question in our minds is asked, “What will become of us? Will we be able to conquer this task?” And conquer it we must! We wonder if we’ve done our best, That the world a better place might be, And if before us passed the test, What would the world in us see? Though we may wander far and near, To work with the world at our best, We may be gone but our thoughts are dear To those thoughts at B.R.l l.S. Larry Gordon, Class Poet Alma Mater Dear ole’ high school We love her, Our ideal and pride, We will hold up her standards Whatever may betide. We will follow her colors Flung out to the sky. We will give our heart’s devotion To ole’ A. C. High. Miss ECHO Jean Segrest Above: Senior Maid— Blanche King Right: Sophomore Maid— Emma Lee Patton Echo ... Maids - •� Above: Freshman Maid- Mavis Caldwell Left: Cood Citizenship Girl Virginia Richardson Homecoming Maids Above: Pat Thompson, Junior Maid, and Blanche King, Senior Maid. Below: Annette Scott, Sophomore Maid, and Brenda Butler, Freshman Maid. Senior First row: Most courteous—Joyce Pemberton and Arnold Parrish; Best all round—Patricia Carter and Bill Gunn, Best dressed —Wayne Robinson and Anita Meadows. Second row: Friendliest—Mable Childers and Wade Robinson, Most bashful—William Smith and Sara Sallas. Best disposition Allen Stearns and Betty Mason. Best sportsmanship -Shelby Tankersley and Johnny Thompson. Third row: Class favorites—Virginia Shaw and David Carlisle, Most popular—Gerald McGill and Blanche King, Most cooperative—Ann Sanford and Gerald Truett, Most dependable—Bobbie Bonner and Jack Duncan. Fourth row: Class flirts—Jo Ann McEachern and Charley Childers. Fifth row: Most representative Juniors Julia Phurrough and Ed Johnson. Selections First row: Happiest—Bobby Sumners and Celeste Love, Cutest-Marie Huggins and George Pridmore, Laziest— Claude Thomas and Nelda Forbus. Second row: Biggest eaters—Jack Blankenship and Martha Blankenship, Most in love—Don Lucas and Shelvie Gandy, Best looking— Mary Elizabeth Kimbrough and Bud Talley. Third row: Wittiest—Larry Gordon and Eleanor Scroggins, Most likely to succeed—Virginia Richardson and Don Lucas, Best dancers- Ted Sanders and Carolyn Patterson, Smartest -John Coker and Glenda Dennis. Fourth row: Neatest— Wayne Baker and Norma Tate. Snaps 1. Getting ready for the big parade. 2. Aint we got fun I.'! 3. Oh. my aching back. 4. Get those dignified seniors. 5. Working on the CINDER. 6. Go, Man, go! 7. Home-coming queen and her court. 8. Dig that crazy bop! 9. Guess who?? 10. Through stormy weather, we stick together. 11. ’Twas the night before exams. 12. Sen'or buddies. 13. The purpose of this snapshot . . . BLACKMAIL. ctivities Beta Club President---------------------------Don Lucas Vice-President Johnny Thompson Secretary Virginia Shaw Treasurer Barbara Schrimschcr Correspondi ng Secretary Virginia Richardson Student Council President-------- Bill Gunn Vice-President _ Ed Johnson Secretary _ Bill Mann Treasurer _ Buddy Heacock F. II. A. President___________ Vice-President Secretary-T reasurer Reporter____________ Parliamentarian Historian___________ ' horister__________ Pianist_____________ June Smith Sue Mann Dot Martin Kathryn 1 lodge Barbara Germany Faye Strickland Julia Phurrough J udy Gooden President______________________Alvin 1 ate Vice-President_________________Lynn Royall Secretary __ Edsell Mullins Treasurer ________________ Lynn Parrish Reporter___________________George Johnston Senator____________________Donald Pritchard Key Club President Bill Gunn Vice-President ______________________ Ed Johnson Secretary ___________ Johnny Thompson Treasurer Paul Farmer Chaplain Don Lucas Photography Club President ______________ Wayne Baker Vice-president _________ Nelda Forbus Secretary_______________________Sybil Pearce Treasurer __________ Joyce Pemberton Di versified Occupations Club President ___________ Gerald Truett Vice-President _____ Jeanine McLeod Secretary___ . Charles Daniels President Mary Elizabeth Kimbrough Vice-President Virginia Richardson Secretary _ _ Sue Roberts Corresponding Secretary Celia Lumpkin Chorus President Buddy Vernon Vice-President ________ Bobby Clackley Secretary-T reasurer _________________ Mary Jane Abernathy Letter Club President _____________ Charles Loyd Vice-President Gerald McGill Secretary-Treasurer Johnny Thompson Band President_________________________________________________Bob Gunn Vice-President __________________________________ Barbara Schrimsclier Secretary-Treasurer __ Mary E. Kimbrough Librarians Virginia Shaw and Daphne Grimsley Manager_________________________________________________ David Carlisle Social Committee Chairmen Marie Huggins and Bill Mann Majorettes Left to right: Nelda Lankford, Jimmie Laura Johnston, Barbara Schrimscher, Bobbie Bonner, Virginia Shaw (1 lead Majorette), Judy Smith, Jeanette Saxon, Blanche King, Shirlene Gautney and Betty Ann Mason. B.R.H.S. Publications The ECHO, the high school annual, was first published under the name of The MIRROR in 1933. Each year the staff has tried to present a true picture of the The ECHO Don Lucas_____________________________________Editor Johnny Thompson Assistant Editor Marie 1 Iuggins ________________ Business Manager Carolyn Patterson Assistant Business Manager life of the school. The CINDER, the official school newspaper, is published monthly and is given free to students and faculty. Staff members of both publications are members of the journalism classes. The CINDER Barbara Schrimscher _____________ Editor Sue Roberts______________Assistant Editor Mary E. Kimbrough________ Business Manager Jack Duncan - Assistant Business Manager President ___________ Virginia Richardson Vice-President _____________ Wayne Baker Secretary________________ Patricia Carter Treasurer______________Carolyn Patterson Social Committee Chairman .... — Blanche King President________________Jimmy Ted Lewis Vice-President .. . Allison Blythe Secretary___________________________Julia Phurrough Treasurer____________________Paul Farmer Social Committee Chairman _______________ Ed Johnson Sophomore Class Freshman Class President .. Ken Kerlev Vice-President ______ Larry Clark Secretary ________________ Gerald Coker Treasurer _ ________ Dick Gilchrist President___________________Buddy I Ieacock Vice-President Billy Smith Secretary _ Bohhy Lee Treasurer__________________ John Blythe senior class. 6. Love those free cokes! 7. Just standing around. 8. Deep classroom concentration. 9. The class was in a huddle. 10. An old cronie. 11. My, how times have changed! 12. BRHS models. 13. Stand back boys! 14. These studious students. 15. Takin’ life easy. Gridiron High Lights Sept. 10 The Cats opened the season against a fine gridiron machine in the Lanier Poets. The favored Poets went on to win the contest by a 28-0 score. Sept. 18 The Wildcats beat a well-coached team from South Alabama, Ashford, by a very slim margin of 15-14. I he Cats showed fine team spirit in winning. Sept. 24 The Lanett High Panthers defeated the Wildcats of Benjamin Russell. The local team showed plenty of hustle but came out on the low end of the score, which read 89-15. Oct. 1 The Wildcats came bouncing back after the licking they took from Lanett and downed a favored Opelika squad by the score of 19-6. Oct. 8 After tasting the sweet fruits of victory the Cats returned home only to be disappointed by the 13-0 defeat at the hands of the Sylacauga Aggies. Oct. 15 The next battle found the Wildcats in an entirely different mood and under the leadership of Co-captains Charles Loyd and Gerald McGill rolled over a fast Roanoke eleven, which had previously beaten Lanett, by the score 20-13. Oct. 22 The Wildcats hit the road again and this time found themselves in Valley High, the scene of the Valley homecoming. The Cats fought hard, but a fired up Valley I ligh football machine proved too powerful and the Cats fell, 26-6. Oct. 29 The Cats then played host to B. B. Comer I ligh. This was the big week at Benjamin Russell. It was homecoming and the stage was set for the Wildcats, with Loyd and McGill at the helm, to upset by the convincing score 32-6. Nov. 5 The next game was the deciding one for the Wildcats, with Loyd, leading the way, the Cats defeated a powerful Talladega High Combine and this put the Wildcats in the win column for good. The score read, 14-6. Nov. 12 The last game of the season found the Cats in the winning mood, and with plenty of good line play, came out of the battle victorious over Dadeville. The score board read 40-7. B.R.H.S. Football Team First row: J. Harris, K. Pike, D. Veazey, Managers. Second row: B. Turner, G. Wilson, T. Johnson, J. Lewis, J. Duncan, G. McGill, C. Loyd, T. Sanders, J. Thompson, B. Smith, L. Bunn. Third row: J. D. Brooks, L. Hawkins, E. Johnson, C. Sanson, A. Blythe, D. Pritchard, R. Davis, B. Waites, J. Britton, B. Jones, J. Loyd, L. Thomas, W. Limbaugh, T. Fox, Cjach Lyon. Fourth row: Assistant Coach Bailey, Assistant Coach Galloway, L. Speaks, L. Mann, C. Gil iland, P. Farmer, G. Johnston, F. Ray, B. McCain, L. Clark, D. Hodge. J. Padgett, J. Lambert, Assistant Hammond, Assistant Coach Lee. Coaching Staff S. 11. Lyon, Varsity Football I lead Coach, Charles Bailey, Freshman Football Coach, Murray S. Hammond, I lead Basketball Coach. E. C. Galloway, Assistant Varsity Coach, Charles Lee, B team football coach and baseball. Left to right: Galloway, Lyon, 1 lammond, Bailey, Lee. Football Flayers First row: Backs—Gerald McGill, Ted Sanders, Jimmie Ted Lewis. Jack Duncan. Second row: Johnny Thompson, Charles Loyd, Billy Smith, Jimmy Padgett. Third row: Bobby Turner, Glenn Wilson, Tommy Johnson, Clifton Gilliland. Football Players First row: Ends- Donald Pritchard, Wayne Limbaugh, Tommy Fox, Allison Blythe. Second row: Edward Johnson, Larry Speaks, J. D. Brooks, Larry Hawkins. Third row: Tackles Jimmy Loyd, Robert Davis, Larry Thomas, Frank Ray. Football Players First row: Guards—Billy Waites, Bobby Jones, Paul Farmer, George Johnston, Lee Mann. Second row: Larry Clark. Centers- Jimmy Britton, Carl Sanson, Dwayne Hodge. Cheerleaders First row: June Smith, Jean Segrest, Doris Miller Second row: Marion Neighbors, Jerry O'Neil (Head Cheerleader), Charles McLeod. Basketball Schedule Opponent Lanier Date Dee 10 Opponent Auburn Date Jan. 24 Wetumpka Dec. 14 Selma Jan. 25 Auburn Dec. 16 Opelika Feb. 2 Wetumpka Jan. 4 Lanett Feb. 4 Hackneyville Jan. 7 Selma Feb. 5 Eclectic Jan. 11 Hackneyville Feb. 7 Lanett Jan. 14 Eclectic Feb. 8 Phenix City Jan. 18 County Tournament Feb. 10, 11, 12 Invitational ) Jan. 21 Opelika Feb. 15 Tournament) Jan. 22 Dadeville Feb. 18 Benjamin Russell, Lanett, T. Central M. Rogers, and Phenix City District AA Feb. 22 Feb. 2, 3, 4, 5 Varsity players: First row—Don Lucas, guard, Gera’d McGill, forward, Tommy Fox, center. Second row— Charles Loyd, guard, Carl Sanson, guard, Douglas Reynolds, forward. Not shown; J. D. Brooks, center, Larry Gordon, forward, Gene Scott, guard. Left to right: Don Lucas, Diane Ray, Billy McGhee, Peggy Wilson, Alice Holloway, Marion Neighbors. Left to right: Claude Thomas, Betty Jo Blank enship, Larry Gordon, Linda Sue Dean. Sponsors Left to right: (below) Billy Vaughan Head-ley, Judy Gooden, Doris Miller, Charles Loyd, Jean Segrest, Gerald McGill. Left to right: (below) Don Lucas, Shelby Tankersley, Charles McLeod, Gwen Veazey, Dick Gilchrist, Ramona Pemberton. ■f • « i Hi - S5Sfe R' Gy -i W . ■i II! mS :l !m 12 I i © T 4.1 V 14 Es An pm n U % r j� Snaps 40 1. Couldn’t do without them at 2:46! 2. Just can’t hold our boys down. 3. The pause that refreshes. 4. Speeding! 5. Well, why can’t you answer that question. 6. Did you say that you didn’t want your picture taken? 7. Compliments of Corky’s, thanks! 8. Did anyone get the tag number of that truck? 9. Now, who could this be? 10. One of our future home makers. 11. Wayne Limbaugh just went by. 12. Mrs. Fuller. 13. Say “cheese,” please. Thanks! 14. School daze . . . 15-19. What happened? 16. Well say something, Hugh! 17. That popular band room at activity period. 18. Did you say something? 20. It’s my ball, now let go! 21. Oh, don’t be shy, girls! 22. It must be love. im Our Heroes AUTOGRAPHS CINDER o,tott J yip 12S uden sHaV.e (.aS e l Honoi ]()Cneen-Ha vot ScrifwP % Sci bb es QuCC Hon'C . oH� cCfS put 4 SSV% 1 runs : S epPetS In Any Language... A Job with SOUTHERN BELL Means a Good Future! SOUTHERN BELL TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH COMPANY ROBERT GRAVES STUDIO PHONE AD 4-4781 ALEXANDER CITY. ALA. AIRPORT CAFE Teenagers Hideaway Eat With Bill and Faye H. G. Hales Motors PONTIAC CARS and GMC TRUCKS Phone AD 4-4716 Jack's Cafe Oak lawn FINE FOODS E. G. Nelson Compliments of Barber Shop Riley's Furniture House Jewelry Co. Quality Cleaners Phone AD 4-4167 King Trading Co. Askin's Drug Store Compliments of Duncan Son Dennis Bros. Mattress Co. RE-UPHOLSTERING, MATTRESS and BEDDING EQUIPMENT 1002 Hillabee Street Watson's Towns Service Station Dodge and Plymouth Passenger Cars Dodge Job-Rated Trucks Wilbanks Motor Co. THE BARGAIN HOUSE Eugene F. Fitzgerald, and Eugene G. Fitzgerald, Jr. REPRESENTING L. G. Balfour Co. Class Rings Invitations Personal Cards Diplomas P. O. Box 1072 21 0 Clark Building BIRMINGHAM GOREE MOTOR COMPANY -pOREMOST THE GREAT NAME IN DAIRY PRODUCTS THE FAIR STORE Dadeville And Alexander City In Alabama MEET THE CROWD —At— JEAN'S DRIVE-IN STARK CARBURETOR And ELECTRIC CO. WINDMILL SERVICE STATION SAVE ON GASOLINE OIL Dial AD 4-2134 FLINT HILL DRIVE-IN EATS AND GASOLINE CALLAHAN MOTOR CO. TELEPHONE ADams 4-2572 207 South Central Avenue Alexander City, Alabama Pake-Stephenson, Inc. Quality Athletic Equipment Montgomery Home Furniture Co. The Store For Bargains CALHOUN STREET Phone AD 4-4141 COMPLIMENTS OF AVONDALE MILLS ALEXANDER CITY PLANT DIXIE MOTOR CO. Phone AD 4-5571 Compliments of THE AMERICAN LUNCH 208 Alabama Street Phone AD 4-4581 FROHSI N'S East Alabama's Finest Department Store Compliments of Compliments of BELK-HUDSON CO. V. J. ELMORE'S SATTERFI ELD MACHINE SHOP Complete Machine Shop and Service Phone AD 4-4147 This Book from the presses of The Alexander City Outlook CARLISLE DRUG COMPANY Meet your friends at our fount Cosmetic Center Prescription Specialists SEVEN GREAT STORES IN ALABAMA mmi YOUR HOME and FAMILY STORE LAST WILL and TESTAMENT We, the members of the graduating class of B.R.H.S., being of sound minas, as our teachers can well attest, do devise and bequeath the following gifts, behests and legacies to the lowly members of the underclasses, with the hope that by receiving and cherishing these aforementioned legacies, they will take on some of our own incomparable abilities. ARTICLE I We, the Senior Class of 1955, leave our good will to the faculty. ARTICLE II I, Wayne Baker, leave my neatness to Bob Gunn. I, Jack Blankenship, leave my hair cut to Lynn Royal. I, David Carlisle, leave my photography job to Charles Daniels. I, Charley Childers, leave my hog raising to Joe Bob Lamberth. I, John Coker, leave my big blue eyes to Johnny Mann. I, Neil Coker, leave my desire to study to Billy Joe Brown. I, Joe Earl Dean, leave my Italian shirt to George Johnston. I, Jack Duncan, leave my good physique to Billy Waites. I, Larry Gordon, leave my poetic ability to Kermit Pike. I, Lorenzo Grant, leave to join forces with General Robert E. Lee of the South so save yo’ confederate money boys, fo’ da’ South am gonna rise again. I, Bill Gunn, leave my office as President of the student body to take my new job as President of the U. S. I, Jack Harris, leave my talkative tongue to Burren McCain. I, Henry Hatzel, leave my winning way with girls to Gene Poole. I, Milton Hill, leave my quiet manners to Clarence Curlee. I, John Horsely, leave because I have to. I, Charles (Red) Loyd, leave my touchdown victories to Jimmy Ted Lewis. I, Donald Ray Lucas, leave my “Ray” of sunshine to anyone who is named Ray. I, Gerald McGill, leave to get a job so I can afford to buy Miss Echo (Jean Segrest) another ring. I, Arnold Parrish, leave my melodious voice to Charles Mask. I, Little Jimmy Peppers, leave my cold potatoes with Bessie the Heifer.” I, George Pridmore, leave my winning smile to some lucky junior. I, Robert Prestidge, leave for the good of the teachers’ attendance records. I, Douglas Reynolds, leave my ability to pass to Donnie Smith. I, Wayne Robinson, leave my sense of humor to Carl Sanson. I, Wade Robinson, leave my sporty shirts to Jerry O’Neil . I, Rayford Robinson, leave my dependability to Mac Wayne Speaks. I, Ted Sanders, hate to leave because of Judy. I, Elton Shaddix, leave my curly hair to Larry Speaks. I, Harold Smith, leave to go into the dry cleaning business. I, William Smith, leave my shyness to Glenn Wilson. I, Allen Stearns, leave my smoking period to Billy McGhee. I, Paul Steele, leave to become a pharmacist. I, Bobby Sumners, leave my happy-go-lucky ways to Larry Thomas. I, Glenn Tally, leave to join my wife. I, Thomas Taunton, leave my dependability to Ed Mullins. I, Larry Thomas, leave with hope for a successful future. I, Claude Thomas, leave my lazy ways to Jimmy Britton. I, Paul Thomas, leave my serious thinking to a lot of juniors who could use it. I, Johnny Thompson, leave my cleverness to Wayne Limbaugh. 1, Gerald Truett, leave because I want a “Ford in my future.” I, Buddy Vernon, leave with my voice to become famous in the musical world. I, Douglas Wellborn, leave happy. I, Charles Wilkins, leave to become future owner of Carlisle Drug Co. I, Janice Bolan, leave my towering height to Arnold Blankenship. I, Martha Blankenship, leave my job at Mac’s to Barbara Germany. I, Bobbie Bonner, leave my charming ways with Hackneyville boys to Doris Miller. I, Patty Butler, leave my long hair to Charlene Turner. I, Virginia Cannon Forbus, leave with Clyde. I, Patricia Carter, leave my hard work to Julia Phurrough. I, Eulene Champion, leave my drum talent to Emily Coleman. I, Hazel Cheatham, leave my Nobel Prize Award to Harold Gillespie. I, Mable Childers, leave my warm smile to Janette Saxon. I, Glenda Dennis, leave my intelligence to Johnny Foshee. I, Nelda Forbus, leave my cradle robbing ways to Peggy Jones. I, Shelbie Gandy, leave my Pony Express job to Carolyn Alford Ballard. I, Shirlene Gautney, leave my straight hair to Bobby Clackley. 1, Margaret Green, leave my beautiful bracelet to Gwen Veazey. I, Mary Alva Harrelson, leave my truck to juniors who have to walk to school. I, Marie Huggins, leave the school librarian job to Jane Price. I, Mary Elizabeth Kimbrough, leave my looks to Pat Thompson. I, Blanche King, leave my “Dying Swan” dance to Paul Farmer. I, Nelda Lankford, leave my strutting ability to Jimmie Laura Johnson. I, Celeste Love, leave my happy ways to Zelia Warren. I, Glenda McGuire, leave my A’s to Mary Frank Sorrell. I, Virginia McAlister, leave my sewing ability to Frances Smith. I, Jo Ann McEachern, leave my sarong and dance to Peggy Wilson. I, Anita Meadows, leave my pretty clothes to Bobbie Jo Channel. I, Betty Ann Mason, leave my earring collection to Diane Ray. I, Betty Jean Mason, leave my scarfs to June Smith. 1, Louise Motes, leave my gay smile to Faye Strickland. I, Carolyn Patterson, leave my piano playing to Daphne Grimsley. I, Syble Pearce, leave my short hair to Nellie Jo Taunton. I, Joyce Pemberton, leave my sweet ways to Allison Blythe. I, Virginia Richardson, leave my successful way to Marion Neighbors. I, Bettie Jean Roberts, leave my bottle of peroxide to Patricia Porch. I, Sara Sallas, leave my quiet ways to Nancy Wood. I, Anne Sanford, leave my hardy laugh to Charles McLeod. I, Sylvia Saunders, leave my drawled out Southern talking to anybody who thinks they can talk like that. I, Eleanor Scroggins, leave my witty wits to George Vernon. I, Virginia Shaw, leave my nickname to anybody who likes it. I, Shelby Sprayberry, leave my bookkeeping brain to Dorothy Smith. I, Shelby Tankersley, leave my love of sports to Cecelia Peters. I, Jean Tate Tarrance, leave my very blonde hair to Janet Massey . I, Norma Tate, leave to wait to become Mrs. Wayne Jones. I, Gloria Turner, leave my job of supplying chewing gum to anyone who can afford it. I, Shirley Waller, leave my easy going ways to Alice Blake. I, Betty Wallis, leave my typing speed to Gene Scott. I, Marie White, leave my charming ways with teachers to Jimmy Loyd. I, Annette Williams, leave my sweet ways to Winnie Jo Funderburk. I, Mary Barnett, leave my many necklaces to Tommie Sue Fincher. I, Glenda Bentley, leave my delightful personality to Kathryn Hodge. I, Gail Love, leave my flaming red hair to Ted Love. I, Joan Blanks, leave my brains to Barbara Bradberry. I, Betty Jo Blankenship, leave my cute clothes to Judy Gooden. I, Celia Lumpkin, leave my friendliness to Alice Holloway. I, Sue Roberts, leave my “Miss Echo” page to Jean Segrest. I, Wanda Sue Saunders, leave my short walk to school to Troy Smith. I, Barbara Schrimscher, leave my dancing shoes to Sue Mann. Charles Loyd, Class Lawyer Manufacturers of Quality Athletic Uniforms A Division of The Russell Mfg. Co., Alexander City, Ala. WISBI