avatarJeremy Roberts

Free AI web copilot to create summaries, insights and extended knowledge, download it at here

7027

Abstract

b>Rita Greene</b> [Custodial Staff]</li><li><b>Wanda Jean Jackson</b> [Custodial Staff]</li><li><b>Lenita Alexander </b>[Cafeteria Manager]</li><li><b>Vickie Brogdon </b>[Cafeteria Staff]</li><li><b>Geraldine Purvis</b> [Cafeteria Staff]</li><li><b>Brenda Smith</b> [Cafeteria Staff]</li></ol><ul><li>Norma Gaskins and Joan Drawdy are sisters as are Florence Moffett, Barbara Pettiford, and Linda Houseal.</li></ul><figure id="85ad"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*3VUirirpGE5RNEHAFP6DkA.jpeg"><figcaption><b>Alapaha Elementary School teachers demonstrate their team spirit moments before the Alapaha Station Celebration parade departs from the grounds of the former school on Saturday, November 9, 2019. Standing are Joan Drawdy, Laura Herlihy, Donna Herrin, and Norma Gaskins [Joan’s big sister]. Seated are Marcia Hughes, Florence Moffett, and her sibling Barbara Pettiford. Photography by Jeremy Roberts</b></figcaption></figure><figure id="15e6"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*sU-Oq_pj1VJByGsWzBoLhA.jpeg"><figcaption><b>The 1973–1974 Alapaha Elementary School faculty are less than thrilled to pose for their official portrait. Seated from left to right in the front row are Delores Lyon, Camilla Paulk, Linda Trout, Kenny Giddens, Norma Gaskins, Mary Frances Rowe, and Emma Gaskins. In the middle row are Myrtle Harper, Ms. Howard [first name needed], Vivian Stone, Hazel Moore [Norma’s mother who began teaching at Alapaha in January 1950], Alma Lewis, Willene McMillan, and Geraldine Purvis. Standing in the back row is paraprofessional Bernice Spikes Wilkerson, Joyce Stovall Tully, Homer Lang, Ruth Bobo, an unidentified lady, and Oveda Lee. Image Credit: The Norma Gaskins Collection</b></figcaption></figure><figure id="c799"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*O2mlcWt2yjGqRFY7YJv7BQ.jpeg"><figcaption><b>Circa 1987, Alapaha Elementary School female faculty and staff are seen inside Alapaha Baptist Church for a formal get-together full of love and laughter. Kneeling are custodian Louise Brooklyn and teachers Ruth Bobo, Joan Hand Drawdy, and Norma Gaskins. Standing from left to right are Dianne Fuller-Scott, Myrtle Harper, Rita Dieas, Mary Frances Rowe, Delores Vickers, Cindy Proctor, Sylvia Hoffman, Marcia Harsey Hughes, Hazel Moore, Vivian Stone, Vickie Brogdon, and a math instructor whose shoulders are more powerful than a locomotive — Laura Herlihy! Image Credit: The Cindy Proctor Collection</b></figcaption></figure><h1 id="ce2f">Incomplete List of Deceased Faculty and Staff</h1><ol><li><b>William Christopher “W.C.” Sams</b> [Principal; born 1893–1965]</li><li><b>Kenny Giddens: </b>1970s [Principal]</li><li><b>Hazel Moore:</b> 1950–circa 1975 [1st, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades; was not employed in Alapaha for that entire span; taught in Nashville, too]</li><li><b>Dolores Lyon:</b> circa 1953–1983 [1st grade]</li><li><b>Myrtle Harper:</b> 1958–1988 [Language and Social Studies — 6th, 7th, and 8th grades]</li><li><b>Ruth Bobo: </b>before 1978–1987 and possibly beyond [2nd grade]</li><li><b>Ira Mae Ivery:</b> before 1978–1985 and possibly beyond [Health, Science, and Social Studies — 7th grade]</li><li><b>Camilla Paulk: </b>before 1975 — ? [1st grade]</li><li><b>Ralph Richerson:</b> before 1978 — ? [Physical Education, 7th grade]</li><li><b>Delores Vickers:</b> before 1978–1987 and possibly longer [4th grade]</li><li><b>Mercedes Youmans: </b>1981–1982, possibly longer [Reading, Librarian]</li><li><b>Irma Abbott</b> [Teacher]</li><li><b>Marian Atkinson</b> [Teacher]</li><li><b>Estella Brooks</b> [Teacher]</li><li><b>Mozelle Chambless</b> [Teacher]</li><li><b>Alma Lee Fussell</b> [Teacher]</li><li><b>JoAnn Gordy</b> [Teacher]</li><li><b>Edna Kelley: </b>[5th grade]</li><li><b>Edna King</b> [Teacher]</li><li><b>Alma Lewis</b> [Teacher]</li><li><b>Annie Walker Miller </b>[Teacher]</li><li><b>Jewell Parrish</b> [Teacher]</li><li><b>Linda Philpot</b> [Teacher]</li><li><b>Mary Frances Rowe</b> [Teacher]</li><li><b>Edna Sams</b> [Teacher; wife of Principal Sams]</li><li><b>Sally Shearer </b>[Teacher]</li><li><b>Jeanette Harper Sutton</b> [Teacher]</li><li><b>Grace Taylor</b> [Teacher]</li><li><b>Madge Tucker</b> [Teacher]</li><li><b>Nancy Webster: </b>circa 1979–1980 [Physical Education]</li><li><b>Willie G. Williams</b> [Teacher]</li><li><b>Oveda Lee: </b>circa 1973–1981 [Paraprofessional — Kindergarten]</li><li><b>Willene McMillan: </b>1973–1974 and possibly longer [Paraprofessional]</li><li><b>Vivian Stone:</b> circa 1973–1987 [Paraprofessional — Kindergarten]</li><li><b>Barbara Purvis Benson</b> [Paraprofessional]</li><li><b>Dot Griner </b>[Paraprofessional]</li><li><b>George Ann Simmons</b> [Paraprofessional]</li><li><b>Ruth Aycock:</b> circa 1978–1994 [Secretary]</li><li><b>Louise Brooklyn</b> [Custodial Staff]</li><li><b>Rosalie Brogdon</b> [Cafeteria Staff]</li><li><b>Daisy Holland </b>[Cafeteria Staff]</li><li><b>Leola McMillan</b> [Cafeteria Staff]</li><li><b>Emma Tucker</b> [Cafeteria Staff]</li><li><b>William Daniel “Buck” Griffin</b> [Bus Driver]</li><li><b>Mary Wood</b> [Bus Driver]</li></ol><ul><li><b>If not for former AES Principal Dona Fields’ keen name recall, this timeline would be severely lacking. Joan Drawdy and Norma Gaskins were also instrumental in providing the initial list of surviving faculty as the school reunion was being planned. Thank you so much for throwing the ball my way — shocked that I caught it!</b></li></ul><figure id="eabe"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*9kuJYMwVs5nYyXQZTpgIxQ.jpeg"><figcaption><b>Donna Herrin surprised everybody when she donned a vintage Alapaha Elementary School T-shirt on Friday, November 8, 2019, at the 25th anniversary school reunion held inside the Alapaha Gym. Ms. Herrin joined the Alapaha faculty circa 1988 in Interrelated Special Education and remained until its closure in 1994. The school buildings are currently used for storage and owned by Jernigan’s Farm Service & Supply located directly across Highway 82. The restored Alapaha Gym and about half of the playground is owned by the Town of Alapaha. Photography by Jeremy Roberts</b></figcaption></figure><figure id="5584"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*naFH8zsc9nOHZxAFI70muw.jpeg"><figcaption><b>Sharon and Terrell Whitley and their faithful canine companions pose inside their Alapaha, Georgia, home on November 7, 2019. Ms. Whitley gave lessons in language arts, math, social studies, and science between 1988 and 1994 at Alapaha Elementary, overseeing the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. She is since deceased. Photography by Jeremy Roberts</b></figcaption></figure><figure id="496a"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*BAFIg6NeXQRZi6V4S1Nzvw.jpeg"><figcaption><b>Researcher Jeremy Roberts has a wonderful reunion with his Alapaha Elementary School kindergarten teacher Cindy Proctor on Oct. 17, 2019, at the former Life

Options

time Learners Home School Group in Alapaha. Lifetime Learners was located on the grounds of the original Alapaha School destroyed in a 1952 tornado. Ms. Proctor taught fifth, fourth, third, and eventually kindergarten in Alapaha from 1982 to 1993 before seeing the writing on the wall and transferring to Nashville. Image Credit: The Jeremy Roberts Collection</b></figcaption></figure><figure id="f8c8"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*94wDC1gaiLJ0TLKJJe2YaQ.jpeg"><figcaption><b>Nelda Cribb Flanders and Lena Fuller catch up on old times on Friday, November 8, 2019, at the 25th anniversary reunion of Alapaha Elementary School held inside the Alapaha Gym. Ms. Flanders taught fifth grade from 1978 until 1981. Ms. Fuller was a paraprofessional in the Migrant Education program from 1983 to 1984. Photography by Jeremy Roberts</b></figcaption></figure><figure id="244e"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*S_S4hrU4jpL4croZil0rGQ.jpeg"><figcaption><b>A display of Alapaha Elementary School memorabilia seen on Friday, November 8, 2019, at the 25th anniversary event held inside the Alapaha Gym. Photography by Jeremy Roberts</b></figcaption></figure><figure id="7878"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*ARmQ21L06_SlVj5pZE16JA.jpeg"><figcaption><b>This Alapaha Tigers blue, white, and gold short sleeved cheerleading sweater belongs to Mildred Cribb’s daughter Heather Fairley. Ms. Cribb was a paraprofessional in the Substitute and Migrant Program from 1977 to 1985 at Alapaha Elementary. Photography by Jeremy Roberts</b></figcaption></figure><figure id="8747"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*CgQxFPERL73BoVc4BN9q-g.jpeg"><figcaption><b>T-shirt design by Ann Dorminey of The Shak / Alapaha Station Celebration, Inc.</b></figcaption></figure><figure id="cc10"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*eLs_ATdnQ6R9dTe14XiD1Q.jpeg"><figcaption><b>Alapaha Elementary School Principal and Berrien High School’s all-time leading basketball scorer Dona Fields [1977–1993] is still a formidable adversary on December 9, 2019, inside the renovated Alapaha Gym. Photography by Jeremy Roberts</b></figcaption></figure><div id="842c" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/fundraising-efforts-yield-50-000-for-historic-alapaha-gym-de80d53186a4"> <div> <div> <h2>Fundraising efforts yield 50,000 for historic Alapaha Gym</h2> <div><h3>The prospect of losing the 80-year-old Alapaha Gym prompted a rural Georgia community of 700 residents to kick-start a…</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*XrKjze1ns22fvQJ08sQeaA.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><div id="9d04" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/the-smithsonian-hometown-heroes-sports-exhibit-spotlights-alapaha-photos-1deda31ac6d2"> <div> <div> <h2>The Smithsonian Hometown Heroes Sports Exhibit spotlights Alapaha (photos)</h2> <div><h3>Dona Gaskins Fields, Michelle Jones, Wesley Matthews, Tommie Vickers, and Sonya Harper are Alapaha Hometown Heroes…</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*wVPVTvE-x2hlwjAWULcdbg.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><div id="f973" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/unearthing-alapahas-eye-popping-shootout-with-jesse-james-roberts-f1b31ca1d09a"> <div> <div> <h2>Unearthing Alapaha’s eye-popping shootout with Jesse James Roberts</h2> <div><h3>Ex-convict Jesse James Roberts robbed the Bank of Lenox in South Georgia of 38,000 on January 10, 1966 and thought it…</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*F89cSJQ7qLYbNo539JIm6w.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><div id="8b1c" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/country-wisdom-from-alapaha-dads-carl-dixon-and-paul-luke-359a4e075f51"> <div> <div> <h2>Country wisdom from Alapaha dads Carl Dixon and Paul Luke</h2> <div><h3>A miracle baby, lending a helping hand, avoiding debt, fly fishing, new car tires, and more wheelin’ and dealin’ from…</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*lf0bx0V7mJsC1t_wZH3ZFQ.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><div id="c27b" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/walk-a-mile-in-his-shoes-in-step-with-former-alapaha-fire-chief-steve-brown-12a872a0d1ae"> <div> <div> <h2>Walk a mile in his shoes: In step with former Alapaha Fire Chief Steve Brown</h2> <div><h3>Steve Brown, whose childhood home in Georgia burned to the ground the day after Christmas, surveys a courageous 36-year…</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*k07ytD6UKWU6D_CdWEFwqg.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><div id="f68b" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/music-begins-where-words-end-the-lowdown-with-amanda-jolliff-director-of-the-berrien-elementary-5a23f806a114"> <div> <div> <h2>Music begins where words end: The lowdown with Amanda Jolliff, director of the Berrien Elementary…</h2> <div><h3>The Berrien Elementary Chamber Choir is slated to premiere for the first time at the annual Alapaha Station Celebration…</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*BX-1txBjAI030JV8VV2Dvw.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="02bc"><i>© Jeremy Roberts, 2019. All rights reserved. To touch base, email <a href="mailto:[email protected]"></a></i><a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]<i></i></a><i> and mention which story led you my way. I appreciate it sincerely.</i></p></article></body>

A timeline of surviving Alapaha Elementary School teachers

Alapaha Elementary School Principal Dona Fields [1977–1993] and boys / girls basketball coach Ronnie Floyd [1980–1994] reunite on December 9, 2019, inside the renovated Alapaha Gym. Both served as parade grand marshals for the Alapaha Station Celebration. According to the Tifton Gazette, Fields averaged 29 points per basketball game for a career and was offered no college scholarship offers. Berrien High School’s all-time leading scorer, Fields scored her 1,000th point as a sophomore and during her last three seasons was the Rebelettes’ leading scorer in every game. Photography by Jeremy Roberts

Go Tigers! On Friday, Nov. 8, a once in a lifetime reunion saluted all Alapaha Elementary School faculty, staff, and students in Alapaha, Georgia. The 25th anniversary of the school’s consolidation to Nashville and the 80th anniversary of the gym opening were observed during the Alapaha Station Celebration’s kick-off event inside the historic building. Chosen as the annual South Georgia festival’s theme, royal blue and gold T-shirts dotted the approximately 150-strong crowd. The next morning seven teachers hopped aboard a John Deere green trailer and were featured prominently in the Main Street parade. Principal Dona Fields and Coach Ronnie Floyd were the co-grand marshals.

Researched over a three-month period of texts, snail mail, phone, house visits, and feedback from the Berrien County Board of Education at the 11th hour is a timeline of surviving AES faculty prompted by the reunion. Never previously compiled, expect revisions as further details emerge. These teachers and their predecessors going as far back as the 1880s have forged the backbone of the little town with a big heart.

Unsung hero Louise Taft Jacobs taught 3rd grade reading, writing, spelling, and arithmetic for six months as an 18-year-old young lady in 1947 at Alapaha Elementary School. Married for nearly 68 years to mischievous Shriner Lucius Jacobs, the 91-year-old widow is forever elegant and gracious in this January 5, 2020, portrait at her residence between Alapaha and Willacoochee. Ms. Louise spent 38 years as secretary for McCranie Brothers Wood Preserving in an era when many women weren’t considered for job positions or were prohibited from even working outside the home. Her husband owned a full-service Chevron gas station in Willacoochee and later transitioned to Jacobs Tractor Company. Other surviving Alapaha teachers from the 1940s has been unverifiable, so Ms. Louise holds the record! Photography by Jeremy Roberts

List of Surviving Alapaha Elementary School Faculty

  1. Dona Fields: 1977–1993 [Principal]
  2. Billy Mortonson: 1993–1994 [Principal]
  3. Louise Jacobs: 1947 [Reading, Writing, Spelling, and Arithmetic — 3rd grade]
  4. Norma Gaskins: 1968–1994 [2nd, 6th, and mostly 3rd grade]
  5. Linda Hughes Griffin: 1970–1972; 1973–1974 [3rd and 6th grades]
  6. Homer Lang: 1973–1974 and likely longer [teacher]
  7. Linda Trout: 1973–1974 and likely longer [teacher]
  8. Joyce Stovall Tully: 1973–1985 [2nd grade during first year then kindergarten]
  9. Laura Herlihy: 1974–1990 [Math — 6th, 7th, and 8th grades]
  10. Joan Hand Drawdy: 1976–1994 [1st, 2nd, and 5th grades]
  11. Diane Baldree Williams: 1977–1978 [Interrelated Special Education]
  12. Larry Wayne Maffit: circa 1978–1979 [6th grade and Physical Education]
  13. Nelda Cribb Flanders: 1978–1981 [5th grade]
  14. Sylvia Hoffman: 1978–1994 [Special Education; Language Arts and Gifted — 4th, 5th, and some middle school]
  15. Florence Miles Moffett: 1978–1994 [Librarian; Language Arts — 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades]
  16. Karen Young: Unknown–1980 [2nd grade]
  17. Janet Barron: circa 1979–1981 [6th grade]
  18. Dorothy Matthews Grant: 1979–1986 [Interrelated Special Education]
  19. Ronnie Floyd: 1980–1994 [Physical Education]
  20. Sharon Tucker: 1981–1988 [1st, 3rd, and 4th grades]
  21. Cindy Proctor: 1982–1993 [5th, 4th, 3rd, and Kindergarten]
  22. Marcia Harsey Hughes: 1983–1987 [Math, Science, Social Studies, Girls’ Physical Education, Basic Computer Skills — 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades]
  23. Lucy Akins Hand: 1984–1985 [Reading — Chapter One]
  24. Rita Dieas: 1987–1991 [5th grade — all subjects; 6th, 7th, and 8th — Science and Math]
  25. Barbara Miles Pettiford: 1988–1989 [Language Arts — 5th grade]
  26. Sharon Whitley: 1988–1994 [Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and Science — 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades]
  27. Cissy Eldridge: 1987–1994 [Student teacher for Sharon Tucker, Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades]
  28. Donna Herrin: circa 1988–1994 [Interrelated Special Education]
  29. Linda Miles Houseal: 1989–1990 [Social Studies — 7th grade]
  30. Rhonda King: 1990–1993 [Math, Computers, and Health — 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades]
  31. Heather Crumley Purvis: 1992–1993 [5th grade]
  32. Chantell Stonecypher: 1992–1993 [Social Studies and Health — 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades]
  33. Belinda West: 1993–1994 [Math — 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades]
  34. Carol Brown [Teacher]
  35. Sherry McGill: [1st grade for one year]
  36. Mary Thomas [Teacher]
  37. Mildred Cribb: 1977–1985 [Paraprofessional — Substitute and Migrant Program]
  38. Mary Lou Cribb: 1980–1986 [Paraprofessional — Special Education]
  39. Lena Fuller: circa 1983–1984 [Paraprofessional — Migrant Education]
  40. Dianne Fuller-Scott: circa 1987–1989 [Paraprofessional]
  41. Arlene Brogdon Studstill: 1988–1994 [Paraprofessional — Kindergarten]
  42. Betty Metts: 1989–1991 [Paraprofessional — 1st grade]
  43. Winnie Moore: circa 1985–1986 [Paraprofessional — Kindergarten]
  44. Sandy Purvis — Paraprofessional
  45. Cindy Taylor — Paraprofessional with Ruth Roberts
  46. Diana McMillan — Paraprofessional and 3rd Grade Student Teacher with Norma Gaskins]
  47. Bessie Dent: 1983–1985 and maybe beyond [Librarian]
  48. Calva Gill McDaniel: circa 1985–1989 [Librarian]
  49. Janet Cannon: 1989–1994 [Librarian]
  50. Frances Carter [Custodial Staff]
  51. Rita Greene [Custodial Staff]
  52. Wanda Jean Jackson [Custodial Staff]
  53. Lenita Alexander [Cafeteria Manager]
  54. Vickie Brogdon [Cafeteria Staff]
  55. Geraldine Purvis [Cafeteria Staff]
  56. Brenda Smith [Cafeteria Staff]
  • Norma Gaskins and Joan Drawdy are sisters as are Florence Moffett, Barbara Pettiford, and Linda Houseal.
Alapaha Elementary School teachers demonstrate their team spirit moments before the Alapaha Station Celebration parade departs from the grounds of the former school on Saturday, November 9, 2019. Standing are Joan Drawdy, Laura Herlihy, Donna Herrin, and Norma Gaskins [Joan’s big sister]. Seated are Marcia Hughes, Florence Moffett, and her sibling Barbara Pettiford. Photography by Jeremy Roberts
The 1973–1974 Alapaha Elementary School faculty are less than thrilled to pose for their official portrait. Seated from left to right in the front row are Delores Lyon, Camilla Paulk, Linda Trout, Kenny Giddens, Norma Gaskins, Mary Frances Rowe, and Emma Gaskins. In the middle row are Myrtle Harper, Ms. Howard [first name needed], Vivian Stone, Hazel Moore [Norma’s mother who began teaching at Alapaha in January 1950], Alma Lewis, Willene McMillan, and Geraldine Purvis. Standing in the back row is paraprofessional Bernice Spikes Wilkerson, Joyce Stovall Tully, Homer Lang, Ruth Bobo, an unidentified lady, and Oveda Lee. Image Credit: The Norma Gaskins Collection
Circa 1987, Alapaha Elementary School female faculty and staff are seen inside Alapaha Baptist Church for a formal get-together full of love and laughter. Kneeling are custodian Louise Brooklyn and teachers Ruth Bobo, Joan Hand Drawdy, and Norma Gaskins. Standing from left to right are Dianne Fuller-Scott, Myrtle Harper, Rita Dieas, Mary Frances Rowe, Delores Vickers, Cindy Proctor, Sylvia Hoffman, Marcia Harsey Hughes, Hazel Moore, Vivian Stone, Vickie Brogdon, and a math instructor whose shoulders are more powerful than a locomotive — Laura Herlihy! Image Credit: The Cindy Proctor Collection

Incomplete List of Deceased Faculty and Staff

  1. William Christopher “W.C.” Sams [Principal; born 1893–1965]
  2. Kenny Giddens: 1970s [Principal]
  3. Hazel Moore: 1950–circa 1975 [1st, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades; was not employed in Alapaha for that entire span; taught in Nashville, too]
  4. Dolores Lyon: circa 1953–1983 [1st grade]
  5. Myrtle Harper: 1958–1988 [Language and Social Studies — 6th, 7th, and 8th grades]
  6. Ruth Bobo: before 1978–1987 and possibly beyond [2nd grade]
  7. Ira Mae Ivery: before 1978–1985 and possibly beyond [Health, Science, and Social Studies — 7th grade]
  8. Camilla Paulk: before 1975 — ? [1st grade]
  9. Ralph Richerson: before 1978 — ? [Physical Education, 7th grade]
  10. Delores Vickers: before 1978–1987 and possibly longer [4th grade]
  11. Mercedes Youmans: 1981–1982, possibly longer [Reading, Librarian]
  12. Irma Abbott [Teacher]
  13. Marian Atkinson [Teacher]
  14. Estella Brooks [Teacher]
  15. Mozelle Chambless [Teacher]
  16. Alma Lee Fussell [Teacher]
  17. JoAnn Gordy [Teacher]
  18. Edna Kelley: [5th grade]
  19. Edna King [Teacher]
  20. Alma Lewis [Teacher]
  21. Annie Walker Miller [Teacher]
  22. Jewell Parrish [Teacher]
  23. Linda Philpot [Teacher]
  24. Mary Frances Rowe [Teacher]
  25. Edna Sams [Teacher; wife of Principal Sams]
  26. Sally Shearer [Teacher]
  27. Jeanette Harper Sutton [Teacher]
  28. Grace Taylor [Teacher]
  29. Madge Tucker [Teacher]
  30. Nancy Webster: circa 1979–1980 [Physical Education]
  31. Willie G. Williams [Teacher]
  32. Oveda Lee: circa 1973–1981 [Paraprofessional — Kindergarten]
  33. Willene McMillan: 1973–1974 and possibly longer [Paraprofessional]
  34. Vivian Stone: circa 1973–1987 [Paraprofessional — Kindergarten]
  35. Barbara Purvis Benson [Paraprofessional]
  36. Dot Griner [Paraprofessional]
  37. George Ann Simmons [Paraprofessional]
  38. Ruth Aycock: circa 1978–1994 [Secretary]
  39. Louise Brooklyn [Custodial Staff]
  40. Rosalie Brogdon [Cafeteria Staff]
  41. Daisy Holland [Cafeteria Staff]
  42. Leola McMillan [Cafeteria Staff]
  43. Emma Tucker [Cafeteria Staff]
  44. William Daniel “Buck” Griffin [Bus Driver]
  45. Mary Wood [Bus Driver]
  • If not for former AES Principal Dona Fields’ keen name recall, this timeline would be severely lacking. Joan Drawdy and Norma Gaskins were also instrumental in providing the initial list of surviving faculty as the school reunion was being planned. Thank you so much for throwing the ball my way — shocked that I caught it!
Donna Herrin surprised everybody when she donned a vintage Alapaha Elementary School T-shirt on Friday, November 8, 2019, at the 25th anniversary school reunion held inside the Alapaha Gym. Ms. Herrin joined the Alapaha faculty circa 1988 in Interrelated Special Education and remained until its closure in 1994. The school buildings are currently used for storage and owned by Jernigan’s Farm Service & Supply located directly across Highway 82. The restored Alapaha Gym and about half of the playground is owned by the Town of Alapaha. Photography by Jeremy Roberts
Sharon and Terrell Whitley and their faithful canine companions pose inside their Alapaha, Georgia, home on November 7, 2019. Ms. Whitley gave lessons in language arts, math, social studies, and science between 1988 and 1994 at Alapaha Elementary, overseeing the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. She is since deceased. Photography by Jeremy Roberts
Researcher Jeremy Roberts has a wonderful reunion with his Alapaha Elementary School kindergarten teacher Cindy Proctor on Oct. 17, 2019, at the former Lifetime Learners Home School Group in Alapaha. Lifetime Learners was located on the grounds of the original Alapaha School destroyed in a 1952 tornado. Ms. Proctor taught fifth, fourth, third, and eventually kindergarten in Alapaha from 1982 to 1993 before seeing the writing on the wall and transferring to Nashville. Image Credit: The Jeremy Roberts Collection
Nelda Cribb Flanders and Lena Fuller catch up on old times on Friday, November 8, 2019, at the 25th anniversary reunion of Alapaha Elementary School held inside the Alapaha Gym. Ms. Flanders taught fifth grade from 1978 until 1981. Ms. Fuller was a paraprofessional in the Migrant Education program from 1983 to 1984. Photography by Jeremy Roberts
A display of Alapaha Elementary School memorabilia seen on Friday, November 8, 2019, at the 25th anniversary event held inside the Alapaha Gym. Photography by Jeremy Roberts
This Alapaha Tigers blue, white, and gold short sleeved cheerleading sweater belongs to Mildred Cribb’s daughter Heather Fairley. Ms. Cribb was a paraprofessional in the Substitute and Migrant Program from 1977 to 1985 at Alapaha Elementary. Photography by Jeremy Roberts
T-shirt design by Ann Dorminey of The Shak / Alapaha Station Celebration, Inc.
Alapaha Elementary School Principal and Berrien High School’s all-time leading basketball scorer Dona Fields [1977–1993] is still a formidable adversary on December 9, 2019, inside the renovated Alapaha Gym. Photography by Jeremy Roberts

© Jeremy Roberts, 2019. All rights reserved. To touch base, email [email protected] and mention which story led you my way. I appreciate it sincerely.

Education
Schools
Teaching
Research
History
Recommended from ReadMedium