LUDOWICI — The Walker High School Alumni Association honored retired teachers and celebrate black history at the E.J. Junior Scholarship Banquet on Feb. 28.
WHSAA President Joyce Berry said E.J. Junior was the first principal at WHS, and the scholarship was created to honor his service.
Berry said the last recipient of the scholarship was Long County High School graduate Melissa Evans who received $1,000. Berry also said the organization is raising funds to provide a scholarship in 2010.
Walker was the black high school in Long County until the school system was integrated in 1968. At that time, it became Walker Middle School, which it remains today.
The ceremony kicked off with a welcome by Laura P. Williams, who is a 1968 graduate from the final class of WHS.
Other former graduates and students included Darnell R. Walker, the Rev. Frank Jones and Peggy Warren.
Joseph Austin, a teacher and coach at the school for seven years, shared memories prior to the school’s being integrated. The former teacher coached the school to five Class-C state championships in track and field and a state championship in basketball in 1961.
“We had some great athletes at the school. Curtis Wilcox played on the basketball team when we were state champs, and I never saw him have a cold night,” the coach said.
The keynote speaker for the night was 1969 LCHS graduate and current Savannah State University Professor Dr. Benita C. Berry.
LCHS Principal Dr. Delores Mallard recognized all retired teachers present.
The celebration was in the LCHS cafeteria.
WHSAA President Joyce Berry said E.J. Junior was the first principal at WHS, and the scholarship was created to honor his service.
Berry said the last recipient of the scholarship was Long County High School graduate Melissa Evans who received $1,000. Berry also said the organization is raising funds to provide a scholarship in 2010.
Walker was the black high school in Long County until the school system was integrated in 1968. At that time, it became Walker Middle School, which it remains today.
The ceremony kicked off with a welcome by Laura P. Williams, who is a 1968 graduate from the final class of WHS.
Other former graduates and students included Darnell R. Walker, the Rev. Frank Jones and Peggy Warren.
Joseph Austin, a teacher and coach at the school for seven years, shared memories prior to the school’s being integrated. The former teacher coached the school to five Class-C state championships in track and field and a state championship in basketball in 1961.
“We had some great athletes at the school. Curtis Wilcox played on the basketball team when we were state champs, and I never saw him have a cold night,” the coach said.
The keynote speaker for the night was 1969 LCHS graduate and current Savannah State University Professor Dr. Benita C. Berry.
LCHS Principal Dr. Delores Mallard recognized all retired teachers present.
The celebration was in the LCHS cafeteria.