1968 ~69 Teachers and Teaching Moments

Betty Wells was the first Art teacher at Watauga High School.
The Business education department put together the cornerstone and foundation for the future of our program. This dynasty would last at WHS for 20 years.

Another foundation was laid at WHS. The first house project ever constructed was begun in 1969. Under the instruction of Robert "Bob" Coffey and John C. Smith (below)

The Carpentry and Bricklaying classes built the framework for the school custodians house. It was near the entrance of the school where the tennis courts are now.

The frame work is well underway in this photo, soon the bricklaying will begin.

Mr. John Smith's personal truck was used to haul students and materials to and from the site. The house would be finished next year and the school custodian would live on campus for many years to come.

1968 ~ 1969

1968-69 ~ The new Watauga High School has completed the first cycle of its life. Out of a melange of mistakes, achievements, experiments and events, there emerges the first four-year graduating class.

The 1969 seniors are the "keystone" class - a group whose personal success marks the success of Watauga as a consolidated school.

Tim Westmoreland and Richard Randall were judged the first place affirmative team in state debating competition. Richard was named state champion.

"Clean Up Day" ~ a day of service stressing School Wide Beautification Seen here these girls are at the "Girls Lockers" sprucing up the place.

This photo was taken from within Mrs. Elvey's English V class on Sadie Hawkins day. Even on this casual and playful day "hillbillies" must study, as Reggie Weber proves by giving and oral report.

The "Original Pioneers" the seniors of the class of 1969. Class officers: Danny Hayes, President; Rachel Yates, Secretary; Donna Ward, Treasurer; Terry Taylor, Vice President.

Welcome Home to the Class of 1968

The Backbone of Watauga: "School Spirit"!

Sarah Hayes is caught in the act of showing her school spirit ~

The Lettermen in their letter jackets listen and watch at a pep rally in the lobby of our new Gym.
Slow Dancing with dignity and grace (at least while under the watchful eyes of administrators and teachers) was every girl (and guys) romantic dream or nightmare, depending on how it went.
Dancers enjoy the Sweetheart Dance sponsored by the Freshman class. Music was provided by the Transistor Tangerines. The Lobby was transformed and covered with cupids and valentines.

click here to see the Transistor Tangerines

A reader just informed me that the name "Tangerine Dreams" was a take off on a popular rock bands name of that era, the "Electric Prunes". Now that is a band I remember! ;-)

What has happened to this poor child's head?

Yes, there was a time when "curlers" could be worn out in public. But those plaid pants in the background are definitely a fashion no no ;-)
Varsity Cheerleaders: Monnie Blanton, Shelby Hampton, Ollie Jackson, Jenelle Payne, Sarah Hayes, Debbie Bryant, Barbara Baird, Ann Gilstrap, and Chief Janie Doughtery.
Future President Paul Miller promises "....to represent each of the students of this school to the best of my ability". Today, Paul Miller is our School Board Attorney and represents all of us to the best of his ability.

An interesting side note regarding electing student body officers in 1968: There were 17 candidates, students had to register to vote in the elections, 65% of the students voted and 94% of the faculty voted.
This year, 2008, is the 40th homecoming for the Class of 1968. These are the Homecoming attendants from 1968: Monnie Blanton, Dorothy Hodges, Jane Ragan, and Kathy Aldridge.

Shine a light on the future, Junior attendant Ollie Jackson went on to teach, coach, and serve in administration and leadership at WHS.

Later this week I will try to post some more reflections and memories of the class of 1968.

Artifacts of the Culture ~ Influences of your Future from 1968

This was your Musket, Class of '68. A break with tradition in burgundy red. But tradition was not yet known by this class of 68. Only three years in the school the tradition was unfolding. In this yearbook notes old friends share their wishes.
So shout out to Tricia, I have your yearbook ;-)
The yearbook was dedicated to William R. Ross; "A teacher whose dauntless spirit and enthusiasm for Watauga and its students is unmistakable.
His persistent desire to help students is displayed both in and out of the classroom. He provides challenge and opportunity for experience in acting by directing the senior play every year. It is indeed a privilege and an honor to have Mr. Ross on the staff of Watauga High School.

A mentor and science teacher from the early years, Lewis Coffey gave us 35 years at WHS. Eventually serving as Principal of WHS on two different terms.

Auto mechanics continues to grow under the instruction of Robert Bob Davis.
A young Roger Harwood makes drafting and technical drawing of interest to all of his students.
Full of School Pride, Lera Randall was spotted in one of her rare out of library appearances.
Raise your hand if you ever got "shushed" in her library! :-)

Class of 1968 ~ 40 years ago from 2008

Your school in 1968 was new and "modern". Just look at the equipment in the science labs! Here Willie Edmisten teaches a student how to use a microscope.
Andy Reese demonstrates the use of equipment in his science room. Sliding chalk boards opened to the prep room for the science labs.
Sixteen mm movie projectors were the first AV advancement in classrooms since filmstrip projectors and every teacher had the pleasure of threading film with sprockets and feeders.
Watauga was the first in our region to have closed circuit television with remote connection to ASU. Classroom instruction could be shared, monitored, or directed from the High School or the University. The future was then and now such a relic of the past.
Can you imagine being able to simulcast and broadcast with the college in 1968?
Even our mass communication or PA (public address) system was the newest and best. Here Dr. Andy Miller contemplates the message he will share with the school.

A Few Personalities from the Class of 1967

I found it interesting how many of the outstanding students of 1967 have remained in the community and continue to contribute. Those who began in a New School with Modern Facilities and the Current Methods and Technology of the day have carried the Pioneer spirit forward.

I must admit I am rushing this a bit. I'd like to revisit this class in the future there are many other personalities that I wanted to share. Hope to get back to this year soon.

All Things Change in Meaning and Form.

Bob Davis started the Auto Mechanics class this year, engines were simpler then. Something you could take apart and figure out! And hopefully put back together again!

Because you might even be a student working on a bus engine that you were going to be driving that afternoon! Student drivers were the mainstay of bus transportation throughout the county.

Here Carl Fidler, assistant principal in charge of buses, hands a paycheck to a student driver. Well deserved compensation for an awesome responsibility that time left behind.
Volleyball was played and a dynasty begins for the girls and athletes at WHS prior to title 9!
Even words have new meanings a mere 40 years later, but the school spirit our "Marching Pioneers" demonstrate carries on today.

Crime and Punishment remain a constant. But the methods used to reform misbehavior is much different today. Can you imagine anyone wearing these signs today?

How does one know what the future will hold? Look at the past and realize All Things Change in Meaning and Form.

Teachers, Friends, and Mentors 1966-67

Carter Lentz coaches our basketball team and our entire student body in the ways of spirited competition stimulated by success!
"No Larry, that isn't my lunch", drama teacher Bill Ross explains
As he tries to help students understand how the diaphragm functions in full breathing and projection of voice.
Mary McConnell takes short measure of the classroom atmosphere.
Wanda Farthing types tests for many of the faculty members and keeps the office running, perhaps even the school!
Mrs. Margaret Gragg helps register students for next years classes. After her years at WHS Mrs. Gragg moved to the Central Office, which bears her name to this day.

The Girls Have It ~ Enthusiasm

The Look, the style, a sense of the time and place, an age of enthusiasm for the future, and mostly a class of grace.

Martha Stacy

Homecoming Queen

Terri Greene ~ Freshman Attendant

Before one can become enthusiastic about anything, one must be genuinely interested in what they are doing. Enthusiasm initiates all community and school activities, both academic and extra-curricular. In fact, enthusiasm is the core of every human action.

It lives through the personal dreams of individuals, and its end result produces progress. A little enthusiasm as shown by Ollie Jackson.

The Guys Do It Too ~ Get Enthusiastic

A sense of pride and stride, confidence and swagger was evident in our WHS boys.

Anywhere, Anytown,USA. We were always in time with the times.

In all one does, he competes both with himself and others. The results of his competition, whether he wins or loses, will enrich his life.

The PIONEERS of WHS.

The mature person learns from his failures, admits his prejudices, views himself objectively and stands up for his beliefs.

The times were good and our mat men were gaining recognition and fame.

Lee Stoupe wrestling at 120 pounds, lean, mean, fighting machine!

A successful individual realizes that the key to happiness is the ability to benefit from every situation.
Wrestler Scott Stanberry, was also selected by his fellow team mates to receive a trophy, the coveted "Golden Helmet Award" for his leadership in Football.