Today, we will take one last look at F. H. S. and Forney Grammar School 60 years ago. I had someone last week tell me, “Themer, that can’t be 60 years ago; I remember it like it was yesterday!” Yes, that somebody is older than I am, but not by too much!
Two of the hardest working men in the above two schools were the custodians, Mr. John Thomas at the high school and Mr. B. B. Henderson at the grammar school; as I remember, they were near the buildings on game nights, too!
And…..the legends of teachers at Forney must include Mrs. Marie George (or so she told us) Moore, who was both “feared” and “loved” by so many students who marveled at her stories and dreaded her “every day” test grades—24 or so per each six weeks grading period! And Mrs. Kittie Lantrip must also be included as she tried to teach all types of art to unwilling students, some of whom could not fit their legs under the art tables—huh Bob and Gary?
I also remember that practice facilities were pretty “Spartan” by today’s standards—grass practice and playing fields and “free” weights—right Paul? Plus, everyone had to take P. E., often in the gym with one of the coaches as the teacher!
And what would football have been without a Jr. High training ground for the “cheerers” and players?
Cottontail Captains were Kenny Phillips and Bob Pinson (who likes to go by “Robert” now), and the Football Sweetheart was Patricia Reeder, who really was both pretty and nice — and smart!
And to us 4th Graders, all the Cheerleaders were Beeyooteefull—Cecilia Rhodes, Becky Borth, Carol Wortham, Dixie Burchfield, Marsha Cannon-head cheerleader, Barbara Bannister, Dixie Walker.
Finally, the stars of the FHS Jackrabbits: Dennis Hensley, J. B. Morris, Jerry McCuistion, Jimmy Latham, Martin Popp, Ronald Montgomery, Alvin Kvapil, Douglas Bush, Ronnie Jones, Bill Winn, Don Montgomery, Lonnie Moore, Arthur Beeler—All these players earned All-District Honors.
Roger Clark, Richard Norwood, Sam Criswell, George Hensley, Frank Burge, Charles Duckworth, Jim Criswell, Duane Penny, Jerry Hammond, Dale Ware, Joel Boles, David Tanner, Mike Smith.
Jakie Penney, Bill Berry, Clark Warren, Carl Senter, Randy Osborne, Richard Anderson, Mike Hampton, C. A. Ragsdale, Johnny Morris, Vincent Cascio, James Jordon, Richard Kirkland, Paul Novak, Don Sline.
And the best thing about 1960 is that I, and probably everyone else, remember the good things, because the bad don’t seem so bad anymore!
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