Thomas Hart Academy - Hornet Yearbook (Hartsville, SC)

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Thomas Hart Academy was found- ed in 1970. Starting as a dream in the minds of a few people, this school soon grew to a reality with students, a building, and a reputation for ex- cellence all over the state. Hoyt Kelley donated the land for the academic building and campus. In the fall of 1970, after a frantic sum- mer of construction, the first school year opened with classes for grades 1-12. In the winter of 1970, official ceremonies were held, dedicating Thomas Hart Academy to the edu- cation of youth. The firm and steadfast leadership of the first Board of Directors, with President Allen Brock, V.P. Robert Pitts, Sec. Ann Cettys and Treas. Er- nest Sullivan, set the pace for the new school. Headmaster Joseph B. Allen, a highly qualified administra- tor and educator, led the way in es- tablishing a superior academic pro- gram designed to meet the needs of the students. In a very short time, Thomas Hart was a recognized and respected academic institution throughout the state. Credit also goes to the hundreds of parents and friends who supported THA in her early years with their talents, their sweat and labor, and their money. In 1971 a kindergarten program was added to the schedule. In 1972 construction was begun on the gym- nasium — the second building in the school plant. This new building housed the lunchroom and five ad- ditional classrooms besides the ath- letic locker rooms and basketball court. In 1974, a football program was ad- ded to the other athletic activities, and soccer was discontinued. Again, parent volunteers and boosters bent their backs and opened their pock- etbooks to produce one of the finest football fields in the area. On the night of the first kickoff on this new field, there were many proud hearts and happy faces as the realization of another dream came true. In 1978, Craig Smith took over as headmaster, coming to THA from Clarendon Hall Academy. He has dedicated himself to continuing the traditions of THA, and working to make our school a bigger and better place. 15

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Administration And Board Direct School Policy Craig Smith, Headmaster Mr. Smith keeps the school running smoothly day- to-day. He is active in the student life; and he teaches and coaches. He graduated from the College of Woos- ter in Ohio, and received his M. Ed. from Millersville State College in Pa. The coordinators, Lou Gardner and Mary Baird, serve as communicators between the headmaster and teach- ers. Lou Gardner is also the Dean of Students. She works closely with the headmaster in all administrative areas. Mrs. Bateman, as school secretary and bookkeeper, serves as banker for many organizations, and helps take care of minor injuries and problems. 14 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Byron D. Green, Jr., President W. Arnold Bryant, Treasurer Craig D. Smith, Sec. Jane S. Easterling Lee H. Hicks Annette G. King Lewis Reep (Not pictured:) Jim Cox, V. President Charles W. Coker, Jr. Dr. M.B. Nickles, Jr. Mary G. Baird, Coordinator Doris M. Bateman, Secretary Lou S. Gardner, Dean of Students and Coordinator

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SARAH M. PENNINGTON B.A. Coker College Kindergarten BETH BLACKMON BROWN B.A. Coker College First Grade MARY SEGARS CAULK B.A. Campbell College Second Grade BETTY Y. SULLIVAN Tift College Coker College Third Grade BETTY COWARD B.S. Winthrop College Elementary Science LANA W. CAUSEY Coker College Elementary English MARY G. BAIRD Limestone College Elementary JENNY NICHOLS B.A. Columbia College Elementary Social Studies 16