Decatur Co. TN
From Lillye Younger, People of Action (Decatur County Printers, 1983).
Special thanks to Constance Collett and the estate of Lillye Younger for permission to make this web page.
One of the outstanding basketball teams at Parsons High School was the girls' team of 1949, coached by Mr. Allye Jennings.
The captain of this team was Maggie Dodd and co-captain was Maggie Graves. "We won a lot of games that year," Constance Collett Maxwell recalls. "However, when tournament time rolled around our luck failed us. The team defeated Beech Bluff by 21 points during the season, but at the tournament they mowed us down. It was either fright or we lost our rabbit's foot, but we couldn't hit the side of barn, as the old saying goes."
The most exciting game of the year was the Parsons-Decaturville game played in the Decaturville gym. The rivalry between the two teams mounted as each team's supporters belched out their yells.
The tournament procedure seemed to follow the Parsons team as they began to lag behind early in the game. At half time, Decaturville had more than doubled them in score. It was a very disheartened team that entered the dressing room. No one had much to say. Not only was the team disheartened, but the supporters could hardly hold their heads up. It was more than they could face.
After the half it was another story. The team swung into action with great determination and zeal, caught up with their opponents, tied a number of times but when the final whistle blew Parsons had won by two points.
Later, someone asked Mr Allye what he had said to the team it the hall and he replied, "I only gave them a pep talk and told them I knew they could play better ball and that the whole Town of Parsons was betting on them."
This was so true for the building was jammed to capacity and poured over until some had to sit on the stage.
Blood pressures ran high when the teams tied a number of times. It looked like a toss up until the last seconds. Excitement went on a rampage and Parsons supporters alarmed the county seat town when the game was over.
Jimmie Houston played side forward, Betty Jean Burton, post forward, and Constance Maxwell center forward.
When they were hitting Betty Jean really racked up the hook shots, while Jimmie chalked up scores from the side and Constance came in on the home stretch making long shots from near the center court.
Guards, feeding the ball to the forwards wlth great precision, were Maggie Dodd, Maggie Graves, Jackie Houston and Pat Welch. Emogean Hawkins was manager of the team.
Despite the fact Parsons doubled and tripled weaker teams during the season, Coach Jennings never followed the practice of "Freezing the Ball." He always gave the opponents a fair chance and also put his second team in for the experience. Good clean sportsmanship was his motto.
The team admitted that he was the nicest coach they ever had. "He never raised his voice or his temper to us and he was so good to our team," admitted Constance.
Even though a few years have passed and there have been many changes, the pleasures garnered from these school day experiences are crtsyal clear in the minds of Mr. Allye's team of 1949.
(photo caption) Left to right seated: Imogene Houston, Betty Montgomery, Maggie Graves, Pat Welch, Maggie Dodd, Betty Jean Burton, Jimmie Houston and Jackie Houston. Top row 1 to r: Emogene Hawkins, Manager, Doris Jean Hayes, Frances Doug1as, Meta Hayes, Martha Lee Long, Elsie Griggs, Constance Maxwell and Frances Bawcum. Coach Mr. Allye Jennings.
(photo caption) HOMECOMING ROYALTY was recognized before the game, as co-captains Jerry Conrad (7) and Mike Usery (12) place the crown of Football Queen n the lovely blond head of Miss Penny Goff.
(photo caption) RIVERSIDE QUEEN — Miss Penney Goff, 17, will be crowned football queen at the Homecoming game tonight at Riverside. Team captains Mike Usery and Jerry Conrad will rown Queen Penney. Her maids are Miss Lucinda Smith, Miss Janet Hodges, Miss Lisa Ann White and Miss Sandra Tyler.
(photo caption) OTHER MEMBERS of the royal court recognized before the game were left to right: Lucinda Smith, Senior Maid; Janet Hodges, Junior Maid; Lisa White, Sophomore Maid; and Sandra Tyler, Freshman Maid.
(The following article is the speech by Charles Collett which won the County Speaking Championship in 4-H Clubs, held on March 1. Charles will compete in the West Tennessee Contest in Jackson.)
Honorable Judges, Friends and 4-H. Club members. I would like to talk to you this evening about our American way of life.
Before America became the land it is today, There was a dream: A dream that men could say The things they wished to say.
Before America became to us a nation dear, There was a hope, A hope that men could come and go at will, And without fear.
Before America was born and here to stay, There was a .prayer, A prayer that men could speak to God And worship each in his own way.
And so that dream, that hope, that prayer Became America: America the free, home of the brave, Our native land so fair.
The United States of America is a land of many opportunities in 4-H-Club work. It covers, only about one fifteenth of the laud surface of the globe. But American farms produce about half of the world's corn: a third of its chickens, cotton, oats and tobacco: Nearly a fifth of its hogs: and about a sixth of its wheat.
Today about seven million persons raise, most of its livestock, food crops and industrial crops for the entire country. By starting our experiences at an early age, and ever struggling to improve our knowledge and techniques through 4-H club work, we as citizens today will be prepared to shoulder the responsibilities of these seven million persons tomorrow. The population is growing and the farmers are decreasing. This means that our responsibilities are becoming more vital.
The 4-H club is an educator to every hungering American whether it be H-head for thinking: the H-heart for country and fellow-man: the H-hands with which we labor: or the H-health which preserve with the products of our labor.
America assumes the responsibility of giving every person an opportunity to develop his talents and abilities. As we develop these we push a ting root a little bit deeper into the fertile soil of the American structure.
We are free to choose the path of life we wish to follow. We have the privilege of free exchange of ideas which leads to greater development in any life's plan.
We work for survival, for the necessities of life, and for the betterment of our fellow-man and our love ones, then for the luxuries, America holds many opportunities for each of these which brings contentment and happiness to all mankind. The future depends upon decisions 4-H club members. The decision you and I make today set the social, economic and religious standards of the future. If we, the youth of America grow up to love God, serve our country, believe in the dignity of man, give a fair days work for a fair days pay, we won't need to worry about the future of this country.
But don't forget it will be the roughest and thoughest road any generation has ever had to travel, but we will make it because you can't scare the youth of America, anymore than you can scare a football team. When they know the other team is the roughest and toughest they have had to meet. You have to think clearer and fight harder.
As we prepare ourselves, each day through the vast selections of opportunities I hope we can search ourselves and make decisions that will make men for our future America..
When the problems arise, don't say, What ate they going to do about it? 4-H club members but "What are we going to do about it?"
I want to start wherever I chance to be, With an open road and a foot that's free: To follow through to a chosen goal. With independence and strength of soul: To lend a hand to the needy- earth, And ask no more than its work is worth: To dream and try, aspire arid pray — That's what I call the American Way.
To play my role with a heart that sings, To know the richness of simple things: To feel I've paid for what I've won, In the honest coin of duty done: To seek the weal of our brotherhood, And share in the larger common good: To keep the faith with my race and day — that's what I call the American Way.
To earn my portion, to spend and give. To believe in God — find it good to live — To have good neighbors — and be one, too — To be a patriot through and through: To mingle moments of work and rest, To love my family and fireside best: To do my thinking and have my say — That's what I call the American way.
It was about 1900 that various farm leaders began sponsoring boys and girl's agricultural clubs. Several states began these informal educational groups at about the same time. No state is regarded as the official starting plade of 4-H work. Each honors its own founders. It was in 1896 that Liberty Hyde Bailey, a professor at Cornell University began publishing leaflets on nature studies for use by rural schools and nature student clubs. Corn, canning and poultry clubs, organized mostly in central and southem states, gave farm boys and girls experience in learning by doing. It was in 1902 that Mr. A. B. Graham, a county Superintendent of Schools in Ohio, began one of the first clubs that resembled the present 4-H Club. It followed a planned program, held regular meetings and carried on project with corn, flowers, vegetables and soil testing. In 1904 more than 8,000 Illinois farm boys exhibited their corn projects at the Worlds Fair in St. Louis. This act entitled the Smith Lever Act of 1914 to provide for a national program of clubs, and authorized the Federal Government to give money to the states to help organize them. Each state soon had a club department. By 1924, the name 4-H Club had become generally accepted. 4-H enrollment grew steadily during both World Wars. In Canada, the 4-H movement was not organized at the national level until 1931. About 50 nations have adopted all or part of the 4-H plan to meet their own needs and conditions. 4-H Clubs vary in size from 5 to 100 members. United States clubs have an average of 24 members. About 55 of every 100 United States boys and girls [in 4-H] come from farm homes. About 27 come from rural homes where the parents are not farmers, and the rest live in small towns. Some cities also have thriving 4-H programs. Large groups are active in such cities as Denver, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis and Portland, Oregon.
Each year the President of the United States proclaims the first week in March as National 4-H Club Week. Magazines and newspapers publish articles a-bout 4-H Clubs and radio and television stations carry programs about them. Counties hold fairs, contests and other events during 4-H Week.
The 4-H Club holds an annual national 4-H Congress in Chicago soon after Thanksgiving. About 1,200 delegates, including winners of 4-H project awards from each state, discuss important problems and bear prominent speakers.
At the annual 4-H Club conference in Washington, two boys and two girls from each state who have outstanding 4-H records, study their federal government.
The club membership in the United States includes more than 2,300,000 boys and girls and I am very proud to be among this number, and pledge:
My head to clearer thinking
My heart to greater loyalty
My hands to larger service
My health to better living for my club, my community, and my country.
PARSONS — Lewis Welch, 65, chose the teaching profession and began his career 36 years ago at Red Walnut, a one-teacher school located in the south end of Decatur County.
"It was a challenging experience for a young schoolmaster," the educator admitted." I taught eight grades at this school, which was a gigantic task. School books were very limited. We had only one reader for the entire school year in comparison to seven and eight used today in schools. Teaching all eight grades would have been almost impossible without the aid of my advanced students. They helped out in the lower grades. Our school term was six months."
The pioneer one-room school building, equipped with a pot-bellied wood heating stove, cedar water bucket filled with spring water, one dipper or gourd, and with outdoor toilet, has been replaced with a modern building equipped with modern conveniences.
Having taught in the public schools for Decatur County 31 years and serving as attendance officer for the past five years, Welch has seen many changes in the educational field. "I have seen 52 Decatur County country schools emerge into a modern consolidated high school, Riverside High School, located on the bank of Beech River, and one elementary school, one junior high located at Parsons and an elementary school located in Decaturville," he pointed out.
[unreadable paragraph]
Schools Welch has served in the county are Crawford, Union Hall, Beacon, Sugar Tree, Cross Roads, Yellow Springs, Decaturville and Parsons.
"I am rewarded with the thought that I might have played a small part in a former student's preparation for life," he says. "Also in my family life I have been rewarded by my children getting a college education. Three also became teachers."
One of his children recently remarked: "I never thought of not going to college. Mother and Daddy expected us to go and we went."
Welch commented: "Much of the happiness of my married life could be contributed to my wife's being a teacher: therefore, many more of our interests have been the same in work and in recreation."
Born and reared on a farm near Decaturville, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Pat Welch, he still has a yen for farming. "My hobby is farming and I plan to spend much of my time on my farm in the Wilkinstown Community."
He attended grammar school at Smith's School House, Concord and McKendree and graduated from Decatur County High School in Decaturville. He received his B.S. degree at Union University in Jackson and his MA degree at Memphis State University.
He is president of the Decatur County Teachers Association and an elder of the Church of Christ in Parsons where he teaches the Young People's class on Wednesday evenings. His psychology of life is: "We are put here to render service and to me the classroom is one of the greatest opportunities a person can have hr serving others. The world needs good teachers, so young people, prepare to be a teacher. The monetary reward isn't great, but the boys and girls are."
"I am very happy to be retired," he confessed. "I feel that by the time a person is 65, he has given his best service to the public and should retire so that younger persons will have an opportunity to serve."
He was honored with a tea climaxing his teaching career which blew him a blizzard of gifts from schools in the county as well as friends.
He is married to the former Hilda Houston. The couple has two daughters, Mrs. Byron Phy of McEwen, Tenn., and Mrs. Sam Peach of Owensboro, Ky. and two sons, Fred Welch of Urbana, Ill., and Ted Welch of Nashville.
They make their home on Virginia Avenue in Parsons.
PARSONS — "If she has a weakness, it is her free throw shooting. But I would rather have her at the line in a clutch situation than anyone else.
Speaking these words in an interview this week was Riverside High School coach Mack Chandler. And he was discussing his star forward. Janice Collett.
Miss Collett is a senior for the Pantherettes who is closing out a brilliant four-year career with this Decatur County school located between Parsons and Decaturville.
In those four years. Janice has led Riverside to an overall 91-36 won-lost mark. And last year's unit lost by one point in the Class S state tournament semi-finals, concluding the year with a sparkling 32-7 record.
Janice finished her first year of varsity competition, her ninth grade season, with a 17 point-per-game average as Riverside won 21 games..
Her sophomore year, the only one that the Pantherettes did not win 20 games, Janice hit for 18 points each game as a 19-12 record was chalked up.
The tourney team then made the trip to the state held at Middle Tennessee State University last year and has run up a fine 20-5 slate this season.
Although Riverside is not a one-girl team, Janice has made her contributing share, averaging almost 25 points each contest.
Her four years of high school competition has left her with an accumulative 19-point per game average and over 2,000 total points scored.
All of this leads Coach Chandler to say, "No matter who we will have for next season, we will miss Janice Collett."
"She has been All-District for three years and All-Regional for two. She was also selected to the Maryville Classic All-Star team. And that tournament included five teams that competed in the state tournament last year," stressed Chandler.
"Janice is definitely the team leader. She is an exceptional passer and good ball handler.
"Our offense is based on movement without the ball. She anticipates real well. She also makes fine blind passes."
"All of her shots are from the foul line in and they are all jumpers. She has as good a jump shot for a girl as I have ever seen."
Collett has plenty of room to work her 5-6 frame inside due to the outside shooting prowess of Stella Chandler and Janice Wallace.
Chandler is the coach's sophomore daughter who is averaging 17 points a game while Wallace is a senior tossing in 12 each contest.
"Janice could score more points if we left her in each game. But, she is going to get her average against the strong teams as well as the weak ones," pointed out Chandler.
Janice said that her biggest high school basketball thrills were, "Going to the state tournament last year and scoring a lot of points." Scoring lots of points has definitely been her strength, totaling 36 in one game last year and 34 several times this season.
The Collett-led Pantherettes are presently tied for the District 15 lead with Sardis, a school at which Chandler coached for a number of years. Both have identical 14-0 won-lost marks.
Four of the five Riverside losses this year have come at the hands of Class L schools.
Miss Collett, who missed her first varsity game after 127 straight, was described by Chandler as "the best 5-6 player I have ever had."
But this 5-6 hot shot was best described by assistant coach Jimmy Howard when he said, "When a time out is called, we don't ever have anything to say to Janice."
(photo caption)
A program on Community Resources has been started at Parsons Junior High School, designed to bring interesting and talented persons from the community into the school to present programs about their vacations, hobbies, travels, or other interesting topics. Above, Mrs. Lillye Younger, county historian, tells the students how it was in the good ole days as she presents a program to the seventh grade History class on February 17th.
By Lillye Younger
Did you ever hear of a high-school senior who finished her sophomore year in college the same year she graduated from high school?
Well, that's just what happened to Miss Renea Stegall, 18, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Stegall of Houma, Louisiana.
Renea attended high school at Chester County High School in Henderson, Tennessee where she graduated in May. Last summer, she enrolled at Freed Hardeman College at Henderson between her junior and senior year as an early admission student. Here it was discovered that she only lacked one credit to finish high school, which was English.
She attended classes at Chester County High School and Freed-Hardeman College both and this May she finished her sophomore year at the college.
The intellectual young lady is now attending summer school at David Lipscomb College in Nashville, enrolled as a junior. She is majoring in education and plans to specialize in kindergarten, first and second grades.
She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roscoe Stegall of Parsons.
Miss Alice Ami Reid received a trophy at the Delta Zeta Sorority banquet for the Best Pledge of the year. The banquet was held in the Hermitage Room of the University Center.
She was recently initiated Into the Beta Lambda Chapter of Delta Zeta Sorority at the University of Tennessee.
She served as secretary-treasurer of her pledge class and was recently elected to serve as house Manager for the active chapter.
We are all proud to welcome Mrs. Allie Mae Stevens as our new principal at Riverside High School this year. Mrs. Stevens made history in Decatur County as its first woman principal.
Mrs. Stevens has been working in Decatur County most of her life. She has been in school work for thirty-six years. She was supervising teacher for sixteen years, public school music teacher for eight years, librarian for one year at Parsons High, classroom guidance counselor the first year at Riverside. She also taught in Panama City, Florida, for four years.
Mrs. Stevens received her B.S. degree at Union University and her Masters degree at George Peabody College. She also received her Post Graduate certificate for guidance at George Peabody College.
Mrs. Stevens will be very helpful to the student body and also to the faculty. She was well chosen for the job and is very capable of her position.
Happy youngsters arrive by bus and car to find a real treat awaiting them at Parsons Elementary School. It's not regular school requirements It's a first.
A hot nutritious breakfast is served from 7 am. to 8 a.m. every morning. Students ranging from kindergarten through the fourth grade may take advantage of this added feature which was initiated by principal, Dean Holbert. The breakfast program began at the first of the school term last year. Principal Holbert explained that each child who desires to eat breakfast may do so. The price is 25 cents which of course doesn't pay for the food. "The Department of Agriculture reimburses us for the difference in the cost", he said.
Gaily clad students are served cereal of various types, milk and fruit juice four days a week and sausage, eggs, biscuit and milk the remainder school week day.
When asked how the program came about, the Principal turned, smiled and explained, "The idea sprang from parents who have to arise so early to get to work that it works a hardship on them to prepare breakfast so early for their children." He continued, "Any student in school is eligible to take advantage of this service. There are around 150 students who eat breakfast each morning out of the 425 enrollment."
It was easy to note that the youngsters enjoy the breakfast while watching them devour the delectable food. They are well disciplined, no rough stuff goes.
"Sometimes food is scattered around the plates," Mr. Holbert admitted.
Those responsible for serving the nutritious meals are Mrs. Mary Inman and Mrs. Virginia Kelley. The meal is served buffet style in the large, well-lighted lunchroom.
"Plans are to continue this service," the principal added.
Of course, there is a regular lunch program in the school.
This is the second year Mr. Holbert has served as principal here. Prior to that time, he engaged in the business administration at Riverside High School.
With no apprehension, the principal admitted that he likes his present position better than the former one.
PARSONS, Tenn. — W. B. Townsend of Parsons has received the 1967 distinguished service award of the Tennessee School Board Association. The honor was announced at an achievement banquet held in Nashville.
Townsend has served as Decatur County School Board member for 19 years, and was chairman of the body for eight years.
County Supt. Edward Hearington noted that Townsend was first elected as a board member in 1936 when there were 55 schools in the county. Now, there are six schools in the county.
Townsend was nominated by the county school board and an account of his achievements were forwarded to the selection committee.
He is a charter member of the Parsons Lions Club and a past president of the Beech River Shrine Club.
He served as director of the Parsons Chamber of Commerce served as director of' the Decatur County Fair for 12 years and was a member of the Beech River Watershed Authority.
Townsend served in the Tennessee General Assembly for the 1941 and 1961 sessions. He is a member of the Decatur County Industrial Committee.
He and Mrs. Townsend, the former Emma Lou Long, live at 403 Virginia Ave. in Parsons. They have two daughters, Mrs. David Yarbro and Jimmy Evans; and a son, Branson Townsend, a student at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
PARSONS, Tenn. — The new Riverside High School, located on Highway 100 two and one half miles south of Parsons, is near completion, according to Principal Harold Holmes.
The building has nine class rooms and 20 teaching stations. The rooms are equipped for television sets.
There are two commercial rooms, two Home Economics rooms, two waiting rooms, one room for a guidance teacher, a library, a study hall, lunch room, clinic, kitchen, freezer room and a laundry room.
Around 50 per cent of the furniture has been moved and workmen are in the process of painting the walls and working on stadium.
The lighted stadium has concrete bleachers that will seat 1800 people. The football field has one field house equipped with showers and dressing rooms. There is an office for the coach, a press box and a house for the caretaker.
The building is being constructed by H. D. Pevahouse Construction Co. at a cost of $536,000. The land, stadium and school building will cost a little over $800,000, according to Superintendent Edward Hearington.
Hearington says school will start at Riverside Aug. 16.
Some 539 students have already registered and there will be more registered when school opens. Tentative date for open house is July 25.
PARSONS, Term. — Decatur Countians turned out by the hundreds Sunday at the open house of the new Riverside High School, which consolidates schools at Parsons and Decaturville.
A crowd estimated at 1,500 attended ceremonies and filed through the ultra-modern facility from 2 to 5 p.m.
"This is a history-making occasion," said School Supt. Edward Hearington, who welcomed the guests. "It has been the desire of the citizens of Decatur Co to have a consolidated school to link the two major towns."
Holmes is principal of the new facility and served as master of ceremonies at the ceremonies, which were held in the school gymnasium.
Visitors were greeted at the door by J. G. Brasher, physical education teacher and directed in the gymnasium by Hugh Houston, science teacher.
Principal Speaker was R. E. Pinkley, assistant state commissioner of education.
"In all my education experience this is the first time I have been in a high school that was centrally air conditioned," he remarked.
Brinkley applauded the county for constructing the school, saying the one-room school had served its purpose. "Today with the number of boys and girls and the more knowledge we need, we must have laboratories and shops to educate them to be leaders of tomorrow.
"No country can be free and ignorant at the same time," he commented. "If we don't educate all of our youth to this potential, they can't become an independent citizen in our society."
"Things are changing so fast that in a few years a person not trained with a skill will be a drag on our society. Automation is here and will take the place of doing things by hand. If our youth are trained, we will keep our society and our people happy."
Brinkley said that of each 100 students entering the ninth grade, "only 60 graduate." "The remainder are drop-outs and this is alarming."
"Educating intelligently means freedom," he noted. "When you invest in education, you are investing in live resources."
Supt. Hearington introduced honored guests, including members of the Decatur County Teachers Association, the County Court, board of education, Civic Council, and various clubs. Contractor H. D. Peavahouse and architect Carl Russell also were introduced.
Principal Holmes had a word to the parents: "The parents should know something about their child's subjects. Send students willing to work and eager to learn and the teachers will do their part."
"Freedom is a big challenge today," he continued. "How prepared are we for tomorrow? No one person can do it alone; it takes everybody working together."
Mayor Will Rogers of Decaturville said, "I think this consolidated school is wonderful; it's the finest thing in the county next to the Decatur County Youth Center."
The youth center is located nearby and provides supervised recreation for young people in the area.
Mrs. Allie Mae Stevens, guidance counselor, also spoke, saying "this is the first time the county has had such a position." Parsons Mayor Madison Scott expressed the tone of the occasion: "This school is one greatest forward steps in education in our county and it is something we are all proud of."
[1966]
PARSONS, Tenn. — The first graduation of Riverside High School will be Friday.
The school began percolating with activity on Friday when the Senior Class was honored with a banquet by the school.
Sunday night the baccalaureate sermon was delivered in the school by the Rev. W. M. Greer of Jackson. The Rev. Frank Madden of Decaturville and the Rev. Bill Hammonds of Parsons took part on the program.
Gladen Lifsey, local soloist, presented special numbers. Mrs. H. L. Townsend Jr. presented piano music.
The graduation service will begin at 8 p.m. at the school auditorium. Valedictorian Sherry Riggs and saluatorian Vincent Tolley will be honored.
The welcome will be given by Branson Townsend, class president. W. B. Townsend, chairman of the Board of Education, will present diplomas to the 121 Seniors. Principal Harold Holmes will present special awards.
Special guests will include members of the County Board of Education. The Rev. J. W. Dancer and Bill Johnson will have part on the program. Music will be furnished by the Riverside Band. Special numbers will be rendered by members of the Senior Class with Mrs. Allie Mae Stevens in charge.
Following the ceremony, a reception for graduates will be held in the corridor of the school.
* * *
Miss Sherry Riggs has received the honor of Valedictorian with 4.0 average in the 1966 graduating class of Riverside High School.
She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Syburn Riggs of Route 1, Parsons. She attended Parsons Elementary and Parsons Junior High prior to entering Riverside.
Her average of 4.0 represents straight A's throughout her high school years.
Miss Riggs plans to enter the summer quarter at the University of Tennessee and major in education.
She is a member of the Beta Club, National Honor Society, Math Club, Future Teachers Association and a member of the staff of the Quill and Scroll.
Vincent Tolley has been elected as Salutatorian of the 1966 graduating class at Riverside, with a 3.95 average.
He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Tolley of Parsons.
He is a member of the Beta Club, the 4-H Club, Science Club and Math Club. He plans to continue his education and pursue the profession of a doctor.
A Decatur County educator has recently joined the role of those retired, however he is far from being unemployed.
Everett McIllwain, 61, chose the teaching profession and began his career 38 years ago at Hog Creek, a two teacher school, located in the north end of Decatur County. Here he and his wife, Hazel, both served the two teacher school.
The pioneer school building, equipped with a pot bellied wood heating stove, as well as all rural schools in Decatur County, have been replaced with a modern building equipped with modern conveniences.
"I have seen 52 Decatur Co. Country Schools emerge into a modern consolidated school — Riverside High School, perched on the banks of Beech River and one elementary school, one junior high school, located in Parsons and an Elementary School located in Decaturville," he noted.
McIllwain taught at Hog Creek, Akin, Beacon, Bunches Chapel, Middleton, Parsons High School and Riverside High School.
A yen for farming he taught agriculture 32 years, beginning at Middleton. "I was teaching at Parsons High School and the schools were consolidated," he explained, "I continued teaching in the agricultural field at Riverside."
The energetic school master discovered that he had no classroom when he came to Parsons High School. Only a small shop. He immediately remedied the situation. With the aid of his agriculture students, they tore down Hog Creek School building, which had been abandoned, and built a classroom at Parsons High.
The teacher served in another field bit only a short time. He was Decatur County Game Warden in 1937-1939. But the teaching profession lured him back.
During World War II, which teaching at Parsons High, he and Mr. Jack Stevens, principal, coached the football team. He recalls their team winning in the conference competition.
Many honors have come his way in the teaching profession. He received the "State Farmers Honorary Degree" at a FFA Convention held in Nashville. This is one of his most coveted honors.
"I am rewarded with the thought that I might have played a small part in the education of my Agriculture groups."
His students held him in high esteem and have exhibited their loss since his retirement December 31, 1972. Many of them drop by his home for a social chat. He received a blizzard of gifts from students when he severed his services at Riverside High School.
The stocky brunette attributes much of his happiness to the fact that his wife also was a teacher. "We were closely associated in the same school during the early days of my teaching career," said he as he turned and smiled.
Born and reared on a farm near Holladay, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Howard McIllwain, he still loves farming and spends much of his time on his 2,000 acre farm near Sugar Tree. "I work even' harder since retirement than I did while teaching," he admits, "But I love it."
After attending grammar school at Flatwoods and Parsons, he graduated from Holladay High School. His college work includes attending Memphis State University, UT at Martin and U.T. Knoxville, where he received his B.S. degree in Agriculture.
His psychology of life is, "Do what you want to" and his wife added, "He does, but so do I."
Hunting and fishing are his chief hobbies.
He will be an honored guest at the next Decatur County Retired Teachers meeting.
He is married to the former Hazel Duck. The couple has two sons, Jimmy McIllwain of Inchon, Korea and Sammy McIllwain of Nashville and five grandchildren, two girls and three boys.
[1968]
Union University head basketball and baseball Coach Bill Henry announced today the signing of Mike Chandler to an athletic grant-in-aid.
Chandler was an All-State basketball star this past season with Decatur County's Riverside High School.
Coach Henry said of Chandler, "We feel like Mike is the type of athlete we need here at Union. He is a fine boy and an outstanding student. He has potential in basketball and baseball."
Mike is an all-around athlete, having starred in basketball at Sardis High School before transferring to Riverside. He participated in football as a senior at Riverside and in his only season played first string.
In basketball Chandler led Riverside to a 31-4 record while scoring 642 points. He hit 44 per cent of his field goal attempts and 75 per cent of his free throws. In four years of prep basketball be scored 2,291 points and the teams on which he played pouted an overall 100-33 record.
This season in baseball he is hitting .400 with three home runs and has a 24 pitching record. Last season in American Legion play with the Jackson team he hit .296 and had a 8-2 hurling mark, including six shutouts.
He has been coached in basketball and baseball by Mack Chandler, his father.
PARSONS, Tenn. — Sharon Kindle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Kindle, and Branson Townsend, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wilburn Townsend, were chosen "Mr. and Miss Riverside High School."
Others who received honors were Mike Madden, friendliest; David Fisher, most handsome; Mary Brasher, wittiest; Larry Quinn, most courteous; Vincent Tolley, most studious; Carolyn Smith, most athletic; Larry Tinsley, most athletic.
Diane Dennison, friendliest; Corolyn Crosby, most studious; Marsha Mays, most beautiful; Joe Renfroe, wittiest; : Diane Denninson, Kay Pratt and Henriette Coleman, best all-around; Larry Quinn, best all-around; ____ny Pettigrew and Branson Townsend, most likely to succeed.
PARSONS — The graduation; class of the Parsons High School held its 30 year reunion at the Douglas Hayes cabin overlooking the Tennessee River.
A buffet dinner was served on the spacious patio. The invocation was given by Ralph Smith. Alma Primm served as Master of Ceremonies. He recognized each class member and asked them to give a short history of their life.
The speaker of the evening was Odell Jones, teacher of engineering at the University of Tennessee at Martin. He spoke on the changing of time in education standards.
Present were C. A. Palmer, principal of the 1938 class, B. C. Daily, English teacher, Mrs. C A. Palmer, Mrs. B. C. Daily.
Others present were Mr. And Mrs. Douglas Hayes, Mr. And Mrs. Garvis Quinn, Mr. And Mrs. Henry Greenway, Mr. And Mrs. Plautt Maxwell, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Youel Gibson, Mr. and Mrs. Alma Primm, Mr. and Mrs. Wardell Inman, Mr. and Mrs. Denver Wallace.
Mr. and Mrs. George W. White, Mrs. Wilda King, Mrs. Mildred Milam, Mrs. Mary Frances Houston, Hugh Houston, Mrs. Odel Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Roba Keen, Mr. and Mrs. George Partin, Harlice Duke, and Loyd Gullege.
PARSONS — When it comes to mathematics, David Keen, 17, junior at Riverside High School, ranks at the top.
He captured first place in the Algebra II division of the 13th annual state high school mathematics contest held at Union University.
An "old pro" at winning, David came out second place in first year algebra and climbed to first place his sophomore year. He repeated this his junior year when he brought honors back to his school by wining first place by a number of points. He received a certificate of merits and a plaque which is placed in the Riverside High School trophy case.
"I attribute much of my success to my former mathematics teacher, Mrs. Iris Evans," Keen admitted. "My first year algebra teacher was the late Henry Evans, who gave me the incentive to develop my ability. Mrs. Evans helped me in fifth and sixth grades."
Mrs. Evans says: "My husband was the first one to recognize David's keenness of mind and become interested in his success. He never boasts of his accomplishments and works independently on many advanced math projects not required. He does much on his own."
"I've always liked math, the slender blue-eyed student said." When I first started to school, I just caught on to it."
The transition to modern math posed no problem for David. "The switch came about the time I entered high school," he said.
Not only is math a favorite with David, he also likes chemistry and advanced biology as well.
"After graduation I plan to major in science and physics at University of Tennessee in Knoxville. I'd like to get in space science for NASA."
He plans to make a special course at the University of Mississippi National Science Foundation during school vacation this summer.
The son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Keen of Route 2, 1~pr-sons, he has two sisters and six brothers.
Miss Myra Looney, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James E. Looney of Parsons, captured first place in the Eighth District Voice of Democracy contest conducted at Jackson radio station Saturday, January 8th. Announcement was made by Charlie Pratt, contest chairman of the Voice of Democracy program sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies Auxiliary.
Miss Looney was first place winner in the county contest which enabled her to be a contestant in the district contest.
She is a student at Riverside High School and was presented a $50 savings bond for placing first in the county and one for winning in the District.
Her essay will be entered in the State Contest competition with the winners of nine other districts. Here she has the opportunity to win a $1,000 scholarship in the State contest as well as a trip to Washington, D.C. and Valley Forge as a guest of the Department of Tennessee V.F.W. Winner in the national contest will also receive a scholarship and prizes ranging from $1,500 to $10,000.
Miss Looney will be guest of the V.F.W. Post members of 4971 at a district meeting soon.
Second place winner in the contest was Mr. Steve Freeland, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Freeland of McKenzie, Tenn., and Miss Susan Darline Evans of Savannah placed third in the contest. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Billy Evans of Savannah.
Judges for the contest were of the Hub City Toastmasters Club, Kenneth McWhirter, John D, Townsend and Edd Lott.
How many of you remember when the gymnasium for Parsons High School was built?
On June 19, 1928 a special meeting of the Board of Mayor and Alderman in Parsons, a motion was carried that a committee be appointed "To draft plans and specification for a gymnasium for the school building, plans to be submitted to this board for approval and bids requested for all interested in contracting to do the work." J. M. Rushing, Alderman, seconded the motion and Mayor J. J. Wesson appointed Dr. A. G. Hufstedler. G. C. Pollard. L. H. Carrington, J. L. Davis and J. C. Partin to serve on the committee.
Plans were submitted on July 9, 1928 by J. L. Davis and J. C. Partin for the gymnasium and approved by the board. Bids were to be submitted to the board for approval.
At the August 7, 1928 meeting $2,500 of 6 percent interest bearing warrants were authorized for the purpose of the construction. Appointed to assist in the sale of warrants were J. F. Houston, A. G. Hufstedler and J. C. Long. Appointed to serve on the building committee were J. P. Bawcum, W. D. Malin and G. L. Wortham.
J. F. Houston reported at the August 27, 1928 meeting that the committee was unable to sell the warrants for the Gymnasium, and wished to turn the matter hack to the board of Mayor and Alderman. J. C. Partin, Recorder, was instructed to go to Jackson to arrange for the sale of $5,000 of warrants to secure money to construct the gymnasium.
The board moved to abolish all plans for the construction of the gymnasium and that the building committee be dismissed and all bids be rejected at the September 10, 1928 meeting.
A new committee, composed of J. L.Davis, J. C. Long, C. V. Maxwell, C. A. Palmer, J. C. Partin and Mayor J. J. Wesson was appointed to serve on the building committee. Warrants were sold to local persons to help finance the construction. The committee was successful in their attempt and the building was built. R. L. Wallace was contractor.
The minutes, dated January 2, 1930 concerning the gymnasium, reads thus. "That the town of Parsons assume payment of the lumber bill of Threadgill Brothers amounting to $1,120 and the steel bill of Kirby Williams Steel Works of $783 and pay the contractor of the gymnasium the balance due him under contract, after building has been accepted by the building committee."
Thus Parsons gymnasium, located just behind the present Parsons Elementary School, became a reality and served until 1948 when a new high school was built on the hill.
Charles Maxwell Collett, son of Mr. and Mrs. Parce Collett, received a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in history from Mount Union College at Alliance, Ohio on June 10th.
A special buffet for families and college students was served in the dining area of the college.
He attended Lambuth College his freshman year where he served as Student Government Representative of the Kappa Alpha fraternity.
He transferred to Mount Union College, a coeducational liberal arts school in Alliance, Ohio in his sophomore year. In 1972 he attended summer school at Kent State University at Kent, Ohio and finished in March of this year.
Mount Union College is privately controlled and affiliated with the Methodist Church. Founded in 1846, Mount Union was the first college in the United States to offer summer courses.
Mr. Collett has been accepted to enter law school at Memphis State University.
Presently he is employed at Harper Robinson Co. in San Francisco as an accountant.
SCHOOL DAYS — At old Lunsford School were, left to right, front row, Lena Tyler, Ola Mays, Lavada Rhodes, Hurst Jennings (teacher), Howard Campbell, James Leonard Tyler, Gordon Elvington. Back row, left to right, Lonnie Hill, Alton Garrett, Bertha Maya, Clyde Rhodes, Melissa Lunsford, Everett Elvington, and Rufe Mays.
The faculty of Riverside High School complimented Rube Haney with a reception at Riverside cafeteria. Haney retired from the teaching profession at the close of this school year.
The reception room was decorated with roses and spring flowers which enhanced the beauty of the setting.
Mrs. Opal Dodd kept the guest register. Guests were conducted to the gift table where a piece of luggage from the Riverside teachers, an electric shoe shine kit and an arrangement of red roses from the Decaturville Methodist men's Bible class were placed among the many other gifts.
Yellow and white chrysanthemums and white glads added beauty to the white covered refreshment table. Guests were served cake squares decorated with yellow spun sugar roses with green leaves, mint patties, salted nuts and lime punch.
Assisting in serving were Miss Carolyn Washam, Miss Betty Lou Gurley and Mrs. Martha Duck.
Out-of-town guests were Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Hay, Mrs. Leon Hay, Douglas and Pat Hay from Memphis, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Haney from Baldwin, Miss., Tom Yarbro from Dyersburg, Jim Wylie Stout from Utah, Elco Powers of Milan, Mrs. Hettie Scott of Scott, Hill, Mrs. Hettie McCollum of Houston. Texas. Other relatives present were Mr. and Mrs. Charles McClure of Decaturville.
County and school officials present were County Superintendent Edward Hearington, Otis Dodd, county school supervisor,. W. B. Townsend, chairman of the Decatur county school board, and Mrs. Lela Stout and Mrs. Flynn Pickens, retired teachers.
Around 80 guests called between the hours of 4 until 6 p.m.
Pictured is an old school in Decatur County known as the Mays School. The teacher pictured is Woodard Bartholomew, and the picture was made around 1910, according to Bettie Gibson Wilson, former Decatur Countian, now living in Lorton, Virginia.
The 50th anniversary of the first football team in Decatur county was held on May 7th at the Scenic Restaurant in Parsons. There were 34 persons present for the event.
J. R. "Kinky" Lancaster welcomed the group. Dr. Frank Adair served as master of ceremonies. He introduced the guest speaker for the occasion, Judge James L. England.
Judge England gave a very interesting account about the history of football in Decatur County. The first team was formed at Decaturville High School.
The group enjoyed a joyful evening of fellowship, picture making, and renewing old memories. The group voted to meet again on the Saturday before Mother's Day in 1979.
[clipping probably from The Tennessean]
PARSONS, Tenn. — A cap and gown were unused at the high school graduation here a few nights ago and one chair filled with flowers.
The cap and gown were Smith's, a leading senior, and the chair was reserved in his memory. He started ____ [unreadable line] ago and until death took him during last Christmas holidays, what a record he made.'
The popular son of the Hardin Smiths went 11 years without missing a day in school. Always with high grades, he was also a star athlete.
Last year Harvey's leg was amputated in an effort to head off a spreading malady. The boy turned in his football uniform but "with an artificial leg he did more than a lot of people with two good ones," one of his teachers said.
Turning to tasks ___ [unreadable] -cally trying, young Smith often handled routine executive matters for the high school. Principal H. V. Webb said he always felt easy about things left in Harvey's care when he had to be out of the office.
Though football was out last fall, this young man was the unanimous choice for manager. Often in great pain, but never complaining, he made all games and had actually missed classes but seven days when death came on December 20.
Graduation exercises in the gymnasium of the beautiful new $200,000 high school held a sad note. The 40-piece band, in full regalia, played the processional and recessional. H. F. Wallace, Methodist pastor, give the invocation, Martha Duck, the salutatory, and Carolyn Arnold, the valedictory. Before my address, came a vocal trio by seniors Shirley Gregory, Betty Jo Wallace, and Carolyn Arnold. Awards were presented by principal Webb and W. B. Townsend, Decatur county board of education chairman, gave out diplomas.
The memorial tribute for their departed classmate came near the program's end when Billy Graves, class president spoke words of praise and, on behalf of the whole class, took the vase of flowers from "Harvey's chair" and presented it to his parents.
Then in a special prayer, Wallace, pastor of Harvey's church, thanked God "that so many of us had the pleasure of living for a while in close fellowship with such, a victorious spirit." He prayed that "when the pressures of life are upon us, we may remember his unfeigning heart, daring spirit, and dauntless hope."
(photo caption) PARSONS, Tenn. — Senior class leaders and school officials stand in silent prayer with Mr. and Mrs. Hardin Smith around the flower-filled chair of their son Harvey, a senior who died during the Christmas holidays. From left are Martha Duck, class salutatorian; Carolyn Arnold, valedictorian; Billy Graves, class president; the Rev. H. F. Wallace, pastor of the Methodist church where Harvey had membership and was a regular attendant and youth leader; Guy Kennedy, Decatur County school superintendent of Scotts Hill; H. V. Webb, principal: Hugh Houston, class sponsor; W. B. Townsend county board of education chairman; and Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
(photo caption)
The largest senior class in the history of Parsons High School — and the last — will be graduated at 7 tonight. Next year Decaturville and Parsons High Schools will be consolidated in the new Riverside High School. The 65 Parsons High graduates are, from left by rows: bottom row: Pat Mathis, Lynn Condor, Maureen Dodd, Jimmy Lancaster, Martha Carrington, Denver Townsend, Brenda McLin, Jimmy Long, Jo Ann Stephens, Jackie Maxwell. Second row: Ralph Holland, Jackie Rushing, Tony L. Johnson, Wanda Clendenion, Harry Tuten, Jo Am, Milam, Phil Barrett, Gwen Stokes, Phillips Spence, ___ [unreadable name]. Third row: Margaret Baker, Steve ___ [unreadable half line] Davis, Angela Bowman, Tom-___ [unreadable half line], Jackie Odel, Muriel Hendrix, Larry Tuten. .Fourth row: Judy White, Tommy Stevens, Linda Laster, Tony P. Johnson, Joy Yarbro, Stanley Mays, Donna Hays, Jimmy Conrad, Nancy Wallace, Robert Mays. Fifth row: Wade Goodman, George Yarbro, Gary Jordan, Sherry Colwick, Larry Marshall, Eula Mooney, Darryll Hancock, Jan Gilbert, Jimmy Gilbert, Sandra Miller. Sixth row: Clyde Wisham, Janice Riggs, Jerry Adkissen, Marsha Tolley, Harvey Jordan, Wanda Yates, Harold Haynes, Joyce Box, Darryl Tuten, Nesha Smith. Seventh row: Bobby Baker, Jackie Haynes, Mike Scott, Dwight Quinn, Jerry Tubbs, Wanda Bawcum, Johnny Gibson. Guest speaker will be Milton Hamilton, Tennessee Education Assn. director of Public Affairs.
PARSONS — The girl voted most likely to succeed at Riverside High School is a reporter, music teacher and talent contest winner.
Lynette Lindsey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Noble C. Lindsey, also maintained a 3.8 average, and received the Daughters of the American Revolution Citizenship Girl Award. In addition to these honors, she was voted Homecoming Senior Queen, was the winner in the 4-H Talent contest for two years and won, the Decatur County Talent contest at the county fair last year. She also served on the school's yearbook staff.
Lynette is very active in scholastic activities and she completed her junior and chapter degrees in Home Economics. She also has served as secretary of the Future Teachers of America and song leader of the Future Homemakers of America. She has been a member of the Beta Club for three years, the Quill and Scroll Club, and Future Homemakers club for four years as well as 4-H club for one year. (4-H Club was discontinued after one year at Riverside). She is a member of the Journalism club, Math Club, Future Teachers of America, Pep Club, Riverside Marching band, and National Honor Society.
Her goal in life is to be a music therapist in a hospital. A talented musician, she began piano lessons in the second grade. "I have had nine years of piano and two years of organ," she .explained, "and have participated in numerous piano and organ recitals.
She entertained during the Music Festival week in Selmer and as a guest on the piano and organ at the "Young America Sings" program at Selmer and Savannah.
The musician puts her talent to work by serving in her home town a well as other places. Services include playing piano and organ for the Parsons and Decaturville Lions club on special occasions at the Decatur County Beauty Revue last year, the Baccalaureate service at Riverside High School and at weddings. "I was a guest instrumentalist at a recital in Linden recently and participated in the Perry County Musical Festival where I received a Superior grade on the piano," she said.
Among Lynette's hobbies are swimming, sewing, reading and music. Music is high on her list of hobbies. Spare time permitting, Lynette teaches piano lessons at her home at 213 North Georgia Avenue in Parsons.
The 17-year-old plans to enter Memphis State University this fall where she will major in music and minor in business.
The Parsons High School Class of 1982 held their class reunion last Saturday night at Monroe's Restaurant with 16 present out of the 33 graduates.
Mr. William Holt, class president, served as Master of Ceremonies.
The horseshoe shaped dining tables were attractively decorated with variegated shades of zinnias intermingled with yellow marigolds in attractive containers, compliments of Mrs. Ray Jordan.
Mr. Holt recognized principal, Mr. H. V. Webb of Bald Knob, Arkansas and Mrs. Webb who were present. A letter was read from Mrs. Johnnie Sue King Baldwin, former class member of Memphis, expressing her regrets on being unable to attend.
Mr. Webb spoke to the group and gave a resume of his life for the past 20 years since teaching the senior year of his class in Parsons. He informed the class that he has ten grandsons, with two in college and no granddaughters. He has been teaching at Bald Knob, his hometown, for the past 16 years. He also recognized Bill Fisher and Lavoin Brewer of Huntingdon, former pupils, for their outstanding assistance to him during their senior year. Another teacher, Mr. Hugh Houston also recognized each former student present.
The Master of Ceremonies asked each member of the class to rise and introduce their mate and give a short resume of their life for the past twenty years, Members of their families, including children, were also present and added zest to the occasion.
Mrs. Lillye Younger was welcomed as a guest.
Mr. Webb and Mr. Holt almost tied for having driven the farthest distance to the class reunion. Mr. Holt came from Birmingham, Ala., and Mr. Webb from Bald Knob, Ark.
Delicious fish, shrimp, chicken and steak dinners were served with all the trimmings by the management.
Mr. Lavoin Brewer of Huntingdon, brought memoirs of their senior year plus pictures taken at past reunions, which created a lot of interest. The years rolled backward as one sat and listened to the conversations of the classmates, as well as Mr. Webb. Unusual happenings were as fresh as the morning dew in their minds and added much fun during the reminiscing. Pictures were taken by various families present..
In the business session plain were formulated to meet in 1977. The place was left up to the arrangement committee composed of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Laster of Jackson, Tenn., and Mr. Lavoin Brewer of Huntingdon.
Only one class member, Mrs. Ruth Rainey Hayes, has deceased. A list of class members and their addresses was passed out to each member.
Those unable to attend were Thomas Graves, Bartlett, Tenn.; Mrs. Imogene Houston Bawcum, of Clewiston, Fla.; Mrs. Martha Carrington Cole of Huntsville, Ala.; Mrs. Johnnie Sue King Baldwin, Memphis; Mr. Jack Ray Austin, Mrs. Sylvia Lois Allen Hinson of Hohenwald; Mr. Bowman Rains of Carmichael, Calif.; Mrs. Barbara Greener Stegall of Houma, Louisiana, Mrs. Jimmie Houston Knowling of Knoxville, Mrs. Doris Palmer Homan of Caldwell, Idaho; Mr. Jimmy Joyner of Parsons; Mrs. Neva Jo Yates Shelby of Memphis, Miss Verna Woods, Mr. Logan Tomlin of Perryville; Mrs. Justine Moore Chance of Tallahassee, Fla. and Miss Clara Mills.
(photo caption) Picture includes from left to right; front row: Mrs. Bobbye Colwick Cotham, Mrs. Jo Anne Jordan Webb, Mrs. Jackie Houston Sperry, Mrs. Constance Maxwell Collett, Mrs. Betty Burton Laster. Second row, left to right: Professor H. V. Webb, William Holt, Mrs. Peggy Morgan Hunt, Mrs. Bennetta Cagle Creasey, Thomas D. Baker, Dr. Billy Ray Jennnings. Back row, left to right: Lavoin Brewer, Bill Fisher, J. T. Oxford, Larry Odle and Dr. Johnnie Mack Bates and Jerry Laster.
Charley Collett, sophomore at Mt. Union College in Alliance, Ohio has started his student teaching.
He is serving as teacher's aide at Canton County Day School, which is a private school for children from the first through the eighth grades. The exclusive private school operates on $1,250 tuition per year from each student.
Unlike regular classrooms, the school works on an open classroom concept, with the first through fourth grades grouped in one academic podium. The round room is carpeted and furnished with desks. Resource material is scattered about.
The fifth through eighth grades is another academic podium. There are no lectures or traditional classes. Each student meets with one member of the four member teaching team, which serves each podium, twice a week for 15 minutes and they decide what project the student should work on between meetings. The student is then free to spend as much time on each project as he wishes. Some days, films are shown at various times and other group activities are planned but no child has to participate if he doesn't want to. The whole emphasis is placed on the individual and no authoritarian discipline exists. If the students have an argument or disagreement they are allowed to settle it themselves. No letter grades are given but every eight weeks an evaluation of the student's progress is sent to the parents and twice a year the parents are encouraged to have a conference with the teacher.
The young teacher's aid said, "‘I was truly fascinated by some of the work that these students are doing."
