Victoria High School - Panther Yearbook (Victoria, VA)

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History of Victoria High School libs j ; s v§ IQs I (II p ' jpg fill Ills; till IIP i: V ' Early building still in use today. The first Victoria School was a three-room building built in 1907. Mrs. S. W. Curtis was the principal of the new school. The industrious people of the booming railroad town felt better facilities were needed for the ever enlarging population. A new modern” two-story school was built with large classrooms, better facilities, and a cafeteria. This building is still in use as an elementary build- ing and chemistry lab. Victoria High School had its first graduation in 1913. The entire graduating class consisted of two brothers, Mr. J. W. Waddill and Mr. J. T. Waddill, Jr. The classes grew in size, and soon after the first World War, Victoria found itself in need of a still larger school. In 1922, Victoria had another large building with a library, an audi- torium, and nine classrooms added. This building is the main high school building today. . Next to be built was the agricultural shop, and home economics building. This was built in 1935 as part of Roosevelt ' s New Deal.” The building which houses the band and commercial classes today was built approximately the same time and was used as a fifth grade classroom. During these years, Victoria had the service of many fine principals. Mr. C. E. Koonlz was the first, followed by Mr. W. G . Coleman, Mr. George Bowman, Mr. Meredith, Mr. W ' . M. Tignor, Mr. Lee C. Whaley, Dr. Davis Y. Pascal, and Mr. H. L. Blanton. ' In 1949, while Mr. Blanton was principal, another more modern addition was made to Victoria High. This new facility has eight classrooms and a large, more efficient cafeteria. . These buildings made up the facilities of Victoria High, but sports always played a great role also. Baseball was Victoria ' s first sport. Back in the early days, the only team Victoria would, or rather could, play was Kenbridge. The team would travel down by train and play. Travel to any other school was difficult due to lack of transportation. These games were played both spring and fall, A keen rivalry started with these games and has continued throughout the years. . ■ Basketball was first played indoors as a team sport in 1923. In 1928, the -large open base- ment that was used as the basketball court, was turned into an auditorium. Having no place to play, the sport was given up until 1936 when the Lunen- 1930 Football team— Gene White, Capt. burg Community Center was erected. Victoria High School has always been proud of her basket- ball teams. For two consecutive years (’60 and ’61) she won the title of Group II District EH Champions. In 1961, not only did the team win the district title, but also had an undefeated season which was the only team in District 111 ever to do this. The team was coached by Mr. Jack Arbogast. In 1966, the last year of any sports for Victoria, she once again established a District III record by having a Junior, Eddie DuPriest, reach the 1000 point mark.

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Dedication As the Class of ' 66 reaches its climax, we Seniors wish to acknowledge the faithful help and guidance given us by many people — the helpful parents, the capable teachers, our class sponsors, the willing students, and our classmates. Especially are we grateful to our superintendent, Mr. Macon F. Fears, for his help in making our school a place of higher learning and for his example of high moral standards. Mr. J. W. Thweatt, who left us at mid-term to become principal of the new consolidated school, has led pupils wisely and has been sympathetic in helping us solve our problems. In like manner, Mr. R. C. Elkins, our new principal, has given us valuable aid in completing our final year. Because of these and many others who have contributed much time, effort, inspiration, and talent to our education, we feel it a privilege to dedicate our annual to all the people who make up VICTORIA HIGH SCHOOL.

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IS m e ; :;l i: . :;l . V 5: : S ; : v : ;Ji ::f % ! % ; 1946 Football team. This team won The 1933 Baseball Team District Champions. History of Victoria High Football was started in 1930. The Panthers, which had earlier been established as a name for the teams, not only played local teams, but traveled to Richmond, Fork Union, well, and even played the Hampden-Sydney freshmen. In 1946, they won the district chr ship. . ' Victoria ' s keen interest in spoils has consistently put it highly- rated among teams area. The fans ' enthusiastic support has always been hard to beat. Victoria’s last two principals, W. R. Buttons and J. W. Thweatt, have inspired our educationally and athletically during their terms. With Mr. Thweatt becoming principal of Lunenburg Central High at the beginning of the second semester, Victoria High School was to have one more principal before she was nothing but a memory. Mr. R. C. Elkins became the last principal of Victoria High. During the short time he was the principal, he was well liked by all the teachers and students. : The graduates of Victoria High School have all found places in the world for themselves. Many are heads of big businesses, medical doctors, chemists, teachers and professors, minis- 5 ters, and just about any profession mentionable. All of these people look back on Victoria High School and her many fine, qualified teachers as the key to their success. The memory of Victoria High School will always remain in the hearts of every graduate from the 1913 class of two, to the 1966 class of sixty-nine. Its many years of service, recre- ation, and fun will never be forgotten. . After many years of hard work and planning on the part of the people of Lunenburg County, Lunenburg Central has finally been com- pleted to open for its first Session in the fall of 1966.