Monday, December 21, 2009
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Hope the holidays are very merry for all the members of the Class of 1980!! See you in 2010!!!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Report on Meeting
We had a fantastic planning session on November 14th. Looks like we are going to have a fantastic reunion!
Feel free to contact Doug Hilemn if you have any suggestions regarding reunion planning or have information regarding our "missing" classmates. More info on the reunion will be forthcoming after the first of the year.
Feel free to contact Doug Hilemn if you have any suggestions regarding reunion planning or have information regarding our "missing" classmates. More info on the reunion will be forthcoming after the first of the year.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Meeting ... November 14th!!
The meeting on Saturday, Nov. 14th is at 2pm. We are going to meet at Vicki’s Cochran Lusk's office at
The Housing Authority of the City of Williamson
1612 West 6th Ave.
Meeting will be in the conference room.
We will be discussing such things as Events, Budget, and Promotion. We have also received a number of emails with some great ideas. We want to have a good meeting Saturday and get this thing rolling!!!
The reminder magnet sent to Leslee Hamrick was returned, so we need new information on her. Below are the other addresses we don’t have.
Barry Jones, Liz Stepp,
Deborah Kirk, Delores Francis, Melanie Manuel,
Denny Edwards, Micky Hairston,
James Bailey, Rhonda McCoy,
James Wellman, Tera Workman,
Joe Smith, Thomas King,
John Gallardo, Tim Booth,
Kim Stuart, Tony Watson.
The Housing Authority of the City of Williamson
1612 West 6th Ave.
Meeting will be in the conference room.
We will be discussing such things as Events, Budget, and Promotion. We have also received a number of emails with some great ideas. We want to have a good meeting Saturday and get this thing rolling!!!
The reminder magnet sent to Leslee Hamrick was returned, so we need new information on her. Below are the other addresses we don’t have.
Barry Jones, Liz Stepp,
Deborah Kirk, Delores Francis, Melanie Manuel,
Denny Edwards, Micky Hairston,
James Bailey, Rhonda McCoy,
James Wellman, Tera Workman,
Joe Smith, Thomas King,
John Gallardo, Tim Booth,
Kim Stuart, Tony Watson.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Planning Meeting
Classmates,
We are meeting in Williamson on Saturday, November 14 to start planning for the upcoming reunion!! Contact Doug Hilemn if you would like to help out!!
We are meeting in Williamson on Saturday, November 14 to start planning for the upcoming reunion!! Contact Doug Hilemn if you would like to help out!!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Centennial Celebration Info - from WDN
WHS celebrating centennial anniversary
by By CHARLOTTE SANDERS Senior Writer
The 2009-2010 term of Williamson High School is expected to be a banner year and enthusiasm already is gaining momentum as word spreads that the school will be celebrating its centennial.No one is more enthusiastic about the possibilities for the school’s celebration than Principal Johnny Branch.He is a member of the Centennial Planning Committee also composed of June Blevins, Sherry Hatfield, Sue Keesee, Machelle McCormick, Nancy “Bunky” Smith, WHS faculty members and students who will be members of the school’s 100th graduating class next spring.Branch appeared before the Mingo County Board of Education at its regular meeting Aug. 11 and requested that it issue an official proclamation for WHS’ Centennial.A number of activities have already been planned. including a “Meet the Pack Kickoff” at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21, at the Lefty Hamilton ball park in West Williamson. “This will be a big get-together, so we are encouraging everybody to attend. “We are inviting all alumni and former athletes of Williamson High to be present and be recognized at the kickoff,” Branch said.He plans to display a huge centennial banner from the side of Williamson High School to remind everyone in the community of the 100th birthday of the high school.Jimmy Wolford, area singer, guitarist, radio announcer and entertainer, is writing a special song for the centennial event, Branch said. An official logo also is being designed.“The 100th graduating class will serve as ambassadors throughout the coming school year, which begins Aug. 26,” said Branch. He said he understands there are different class reunions being planned for the centennial year.Meanwhile, planning is in progress for the WHS Memorabilia Museum, which will make its debut at some location during the King Coal Festival in September. The WHS Committee is working with the Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce on this project.October 2 is another date to remember for a WHS Homecoming Parade is scheduled for noon on that day. Branch referred to it as “The Parade of the Century,” for it will feature alumni floats and other special things.The 100th class graduation on June 4, 2010 will officially mark the centennial’s conclusion and will kick off an “All Class Reunion” in the city.Branch said he feels highly honored to be the principal during WHS’s 100th year. He and his wife, Jacqueline (a member of the Mingo County Board of Education), moved here 17 years ago and have adopted this as their home. He has been involved in the field of education since serving as a teacher in 2003 and as principal of WHS since 2008-09.He said special efforts will be expended to impress upon members of the 2010 graduating class that they are a special group – a good group of students privileged to be part of the school’s centennial.“Not many schools survive 100 years,” said Branch. “Williamson High has a rich tradition, having been established shortly after the turn of the century (1900). We want to give this community an opportunity to share in our celebration by bringing themselves and their school experiences to enrich this event. It isn’t just for students but for everyone.”The present school system in Mingo County began with a special act by the West Virginia Legislature in 1905, the year the city of Williamson was incorporated. Åt that time, the Independent District of Williamson was formed.There was no major high school building in Williamson at the time. Williamson High, then a three-year institution, graduated two students in 1910. They were the late Mary Belle Culross, who later taught in WHS for 40 years. and the late Okey P. Keadle, who became an attorney in Huntington. Keadle was a son of Mingo County’s first sheriff, N.J. Keadle, and member of one of this city’s most prominent families.Miss Culross, whose father was an early grocer in Williamson, had a sister, Martha Culross, who was one of eight members of WHS’ 1917 graduating class and taught Home Economics for many years.The building now referred to as the “old Williamson High building” was constructed around 1915 or a little later during World War I and occupied by 1918. Its cost, including equipment, was $40,000 to $45,000.The two-story structure housed classrooms on three floors and boasted a gymnasium and auditorium. An indoor swimming pool was added later in the early 1920s. It was recognized as one of the most, if not the most, modern in the state of West Virginia when the school opened. It featured, among other things, a modern ventilating system and plumbing fixtures that included sanitary drinking foundations.The swimming pool was, for many years, the only such facility available in summers for supervised swimming for children and adults. Williamson’s first municipal pool was not built until the mid 1930s and was replaced by the present Z-shaped Olympic pool a few years ago.Razing of that high school strucure in the late 1980s caused a few tears to be shed by former students.Today’s modern high school building rests on part of the site of the old Main Building Grade School with the middle school located to the rear.During the coming year, no doubt many interesting stories from alumni of the high school will surface as part of the centennial year. Branch said alumni and non-alumni will be a major part of the event along with the students.Meanwhile, don’t forget: everybody is invited to the Meet the Pack Centennial kickoff next Friday.The Williamson Daily News invites alumni to send in accounts of any special experiences they had while attending Williamson High School, along with photos or memorabilia of any event. The Daily News address is 100 E. 3rd Ave., Williamson, W.Va. 25661.
by By CHARLOTTE SANDERS Senior Writer
The 2009-2010 term of Williamson High School is expected to be a banner year and enthusiasm already is gaining momentum as word spreads that the school will be celebrating its centennial.No one is more enthusiastic about the possibilities for the school’s celebration than Principal Johnny Branch.He is a member of the Centennial Planning Committee also composed of June Blevins, Sherry Hatfield, Sue Keesee, Machelle McCormick, Nancy “Bunky” Smith, WHS faculty members and students who will be members of the school’s 100th graduating class next spring.Branch appeared before the Mingo County Board of Education at its regular meeting Aug. 11 and requested that it issue an official proclamation for WHS’ Centennial.A number of activities have already been planned. including a “Meet the Pack Kickoff” at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21, at the Lefty Hamilton ball park in West Williamson. “This will be a big get-together, so we are encouraging everybody to attend. “We are inviting all alumni and former athletes of Williamson High to be present and be recognized at the kickoff,” Branch said.He plans to display a huge centennial banner from the side of Williamson High School to remind everyone in the community of the 100th birthday of the high school.Jimmy Wolford, area singer, guitarist, radio announcer and entertainer, is writing a special song for the centennial event, Branch said. An official logo also is being designed.“The 100th graduating class will serve as ambassadors throughout the coming school year, which begins Aug. 26,” said Branch. He said he understands there are different class reunions being planned for the centennial year.Meanwhile, planning is in progress for the WHS Memorabilia Museum, which will make its debut at some location during the King Coal Festival in September. The WHS Committee is working with the Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce on this project.October 2 is another date to remember for a WHS Homecoming Parade is scheduled for noon on that day. Branch referred to it as “The Parade of the Century,” for it will feature alumni floats and other special things.The 100th class graduation on June 4, 2010 will officially mark the centennial’s conclusion and will kick off an “All Class Reunion” in the city.Branch said he feels highly honored to be the principal during WHS’s 100th year. He and his wife, Jacqueline (a member of the Mingo County Board of Education), moved here 17 years ago and have adopted this as their home. He has been involved in the field of education since serving as a teacher in 2003 and as principal of WHS since 2008-09.He said special efforts will be expended to impress upon members of the 2010 graduating class that they are a special group – a good group of students privileged to be part of the school’s centennial.“Not many schools survive 100 years,” said Branch. “Williamson High has a rich tradition, having been established shortly after the turn of the century (1900). We want to give this community an opportunity to share in our celebration by bringing themselves and their school experiences to enrich this event. It isn’t just for students but for everyone.”The present school system in Mingo County began with a special act by the West Virginia Legislature in 1905, the year the city of Williamson was incorporated. Åt that time, the Independent District of Williamson was formed.There was no major high school building in Williamson at the time. Williamson High, then a three-year institution, graduated two students in 1910. They were the late Mary Belle Culross, who later taught in WHS for 40 years. and the late Okey P. Keadle, who became an attorney in Huntington. Keadle was a son of Mingo County’s first sheriff, N.J. Keadle, and member of one of this city’s most prominent families.Miss Culross, whose father was an early grocer in Williamson, had a sister, Martha Culross, who was one of eight members of WHS’ 1917 graduating class and taught Home Economics for many years.The building now referred to as the “old Williamson High building” was constructed around 1915 or a little later during World War I and occupied by 1918. Its cost, including equipment, was $40,000 to $45,000.The two-story structure housed classrooms on three floors and boasted a gymnasium and auditorium. An indoor swimming pool was added later in the early 1920s. It was recognized as one of the most, if not the most, modern in the state of West Virginia when the school opened. It featured, among other things, a modern ventilating system and plumbing fixtures that included sanitary drinking foundations.The swimming pool was, for many years, the only such facility available in summers for supervised swimming for children and adults. Williamson’s first municipal pool was not built until the mid 1930s and was replaced by the present Z-shaped Olympic pool a few years ago.Razing of that high school strucure in the late 1980s caused a few tears to be shed by former students.Today’s modern high school building rests on part of the site of the old Main Building Grade School with the middle school located to the rear.During the coming year, no doubt many interesting stories from alumni of the high school will surface as part of the centennial year. Branch said alumni and non-alumni will be a major part of the event along with the students.Meanwhile, don’t forget: everybody is invited to the Meet the Pack Centennial kickoff next Friday.The Williamson Daily News invites alumni to send in accounts of any special experiences they had while attending Williamson High School, along with photos or memorabilia of any event. The Daily News address is 100 E. 3rd Ave., Williamson, W.Va. 25661.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Pictures Please
Classmate Vicki Cochran Lusk has graciously agreed to coordinate the use of any pictures you want to send in to us. Items can be "snail mailed" to her at:
825 Gaujot Street
Williamson, WV 25661
825 Gaujot Street
Williamson, WV 25661
Vicki's e-mail address is as follows:
If you send us something that you want returned, please make sure that you clearly label the item with your name.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The list continues to shrink!
Betty Finley has been located -- she was right under our noses in Williamson!!! Some detectives we would make!
We still need info on the following classmates:
Deborah Kirk
Denny Edwards
James Bailey
James Wellman
Joe Smith
John Gallardo
Mary Mullett
Melanie Manuel
Mickey Hairston
Rhonda McCoy
Thomas King
Tim Booth
We still need info on the following classmates:
Deborah Kirk
Denny Edwards
James Bailey
James Wellman
Joe Smith
John Gallardo
Mary Mullett
Melanie Manuel
Mickey Hairston
Rhonda McCoy
Thomas King
Tim Booth
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Reunion Date Set
Greetings!!
We are looking at the date of September 17-19, 2010 for the reunion. Please submit feedback/ideas.
We are looking at the date of September 17-19, 2010 for the reunion. Please submit feedback/ideas.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Still missing . . . .
Happy July 4th to everyone!!
We have contact information for Tera Workman. We still need info on the following classmates:
Betty Jo Finley
Deborah Kirk
Denny Edwards
James Bailey
James Wellman
Joe Smith
John Gallardo
Mary Mullett
Melanie Manuel
Mickey Hairston
Rhonda McCoy
Thomas King
Tim Booth
We have contact information for Tera Workman. We still need info on the following classmates:
Betty Jo Finley
Deborah Kirk
Denny Edwards
James Bailey
James Wellman
Joe Smith
John Gallardo
Mary Mullett
Melanie Manuel
Mickey Hairston
Rhonda McCoy
Thomas King
Tim Booth
Monday, June 8, 2009
News from other classes
The classes of 1955 and 1956 will be having a reunion September 17th & 18th of this year.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
All Class Reunion News
From Nancy Smith
Plans are now in the very early stages of events,etc., leading up to the 100 years of WHS. An all class reunion has now been set for June 4, 2010, which will connect with the last graduating class of WHS. There is to be another meeting June 11th, at 6:30 at the Williamson High School Library with Principal John Branch. All WHS Alumni and interested people are urged to attend and help in the making of future plans. Also..........1950 Class is to have a Reunion this fall, Oct. l6-17. As well as 1949 will be having their reunion Oct. 30-31.
Thanks Nancy
Plans are now in the very early stages of events,etc., leading up to the 100 years of WHS. An all class reunion has now been set for June 4, 2010, which will connect with the last graduating class of WHS. There is to be another meeting June 11th, at 6:30 at the Williamson High School Library with Principal John Branch. All WHS Alumni and interested people are urged to attend and help in the making of future plans. Also..........1950 Class is to have a Reunion this fall, Oct. l6-17. As well as 1949 will be having their reunion Oct. 30-31.
Thanks Nancy
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Seeking Pictures
Please send us any interesting pictures of members of the Class of 1980!
Scan 'em and send 'em to
sl8r22@gmail.com
Mail copies of 'em to
Stephanie Slater
505 Main St.
PO Box 444
Knoxville, TN 37901
Scan 'em and send 'em to
sl8r22@gmail.com
Mail copies of 'em to
Stephanie Slater
505 Main St.
PO Box 444
Knoxville, TN 37901
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Another one found!
We have now learned the contact information for Claude Bowens, so we are down to 15 missing classmates. Thanks Phyllis!! Spread the word that we are trying to find out information regarding these old friends!
Still MIA: Betty Jo Finley, Deborah Kirk, Denny Edwards, James Bailey, James Wellman, Joe Smith, John Gallardo, Liz Stepp, Mary Mullett, Melanie Manuel, Mickey Hairston, Rhonda McCoy, Tera Workman, Thomas King, Tim Booth
Still MIA: Betty Jo Finley, Deborah Kirk, Denny Edwards, James Bailey, James Wellman, Joe Smith, John Gallardo, Liz Stepp, Mary Mullett, Melanie Manuel, Mickey Hairston, Rhonda McCoy, Tera Workman, Thomas King, Tim Booth
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
WHS Football Schedule
Wondering if anyone out there can locate a 2010 WHS Football Schedule - just in case we decide to schedule the reunion during the fall.
Please also advise of the dates of any special events/festivals.
Thanks in advance!
Doug and Steph
Please also advise of the dates of any special events/festivals.
Thanks in advance!
Doug and Steph
Monday, May 18, 2009
The reunion is coming, the reunion is coming . . . .
The reunion is coming, the reunion is coming . . . .
We are about a year away and we need to pick a date so we can send out a notice and get on everyone’s calendar.
Please send your suggestions.
Here are a couple of ideas:
The class of 1978 did it in conjunction with a WHS home football game last year and they had a tailgate then went to the game on Friday night.
There is a 100 year WHS Reunion the weekend of June 4th and we could do it in conjunction with that one, but I have been warned that hotel space may be hard to find that weekend. I guess they are expecting a big crowd.
We don’t have to do it in conjunction with any other event. There may be other things going on next summer but that is all I know now. If anyone knows of anything else please forward it to the group.
We look forward to hearing everyone’s ideas and mostly looking forward to seeing everyone next year. It will be here before we know it.
Thanks,
Doug
Still MIA: The remaining 16 names are listed below.
Betty Jo Finley
Claude Bowens
Deborah Kirk
Denny Edwards
James Bailey
James Wellman
Joe Smith
John Gallardo
Liz Stepp
Mary Mullett
Melanie Manuel
Mickey Hairston
Rhonda McCoy
Tera Workman
Thomas King
Tim Booth
Contact Doug Hilemn at
EMERALD
CONSTRUCTION
2219 Dabney Road
Richmond, VA 23230
804.747.4854 phone
804.747.4917 fax
www.EmeraldConstruction.com
or
Stephanie Slater
TENNESSEE COURT OF APPEALS
505 Main Street, Suite 376
Knoxville, TN 37901
865.594.6117 (o)
stephanie.slater@tncourts.gov
We are about a year away and we need to pick a date so we can send out a notice and get on everyone’s calendar.
Please send your suggestions.
Here are a couple of ideas:
The class of 1978 did it in conjunction with a WHS home football game last year and they had a tailgate then went to the game on Friday night.
There is a 100 year WHS Reunion the weekend of June 4th and we could do it in conjunction with that one, but I have been warned that hotel space may be hard to find that weekend. I guess they are expecting a big crowd.
We don’t have to do it in conjunction with any other event. There may be other things going on next summer but that is all I know now. If anyone knows of anything else please forward it to the group.
We look forward to hearing everyone’s ideas and mostly looking forward to seeing everyone next year. It will be here before we know it.
Thanks,
Doug
Still MIA: The remaining 16 names are listed below.
Betty Jo Finley
Claude Bowens
Deborah Kirk
Denny Edwards
James Bailey
James Wellman
Joe Smith
John Gallardo
Liz Stepp
Mary Mullett
Melanie Manuel
Mickey Hairston
Rhonda McCoy
Tera Workman
Thomas King
Tim Booth
Contact Doug Hilemn at
EMERALD
CONSTRUCTION
2219 Dabney Road
Richmond, VA 23230
804.747.4854 phone
804.747.4917 fax
www.EmeraldConstruction.com
or
Stephanie Slater
TENNESSEE COURT OF APPEALS
505 Main Street, Suite 376
Knoxville, TN 37901
865.594.6117 (o)
stephanie.slater@tncourts.gov
In the beginning...,
Behold! This site is dedicated to the Williamson High School (WV) Class of 1980!
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