Memories of West Carrollton High School Classmates and Teachers

Biographies and Memories
of West Carrollton High School Classmates

If you were a West Carrollton High School student or staff member through the 1960s, you are welcome to post your biography info and/or memories here. You don't need to have been a graduate. Please remember that this goes onto the internet and is public, not private.
Memories:below	Now that we are older and lived through an earlier time around West Carrollton schools, below are some of the things we remember. Enter your memories here, about a memorable day at school, first car, Walter Shade Elementary, memorable teacher, something else...
Biographies:	We are looking for YOU if you were in one of these classes of * earlier 40-50s? * 1955 * 1956 * 1957 * 1958 * 1959 * 1960 * 1961 * 1962 * 1963 * 1964 * 1965 * later 60s? * latest posts

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The cafeteria line in the old high school (now the Junior High)
by Nancy Ertel Sween	email as of Aug 07, 2003	Class: 1961

Being an elementary student at the Junior High when it was still housing grades 1-12, I remember the long wait in the basement cafeteria line. As the years went by, during the 1950s, the line would sometimes go around the cafeteria doorway, out into the hall, past the boys' locker room, and up the stairs toward the gym and old band room. You can imagine the echoing voices chattering away in that hallway! I almost think our first grade class may have met in the cafeteria, but I'm not sure. But we would be there when the older kids came through. In later years, I would watch for my cousin, Harmon, who was 6 years older (class of 1955?) than I, but by then he was too grown up for a 7 or 8 year old girl! I remember Mrs. Tuttle who worked in the cafeteria. What a job that must have been!


GREATEST ATHLETE IN W.C. HISTORY!!
by Bill Howard	email as of Aug 07, 2003	Class: 1958

No, I don't mean me!! I am speaking of Jerry Davis Class of 1955. I am very proud to have been a part of the 1955 880 Relay Team as a Freshman the team consisted of, at various times, Carl Mays, Larry McVey, Dick Gibbons, me and the Greatest Athlete in WC history..Jerry Davis! Can you tell he is my high school hero? And, one of the nicest guys I have ever known too.


Sixth Grade Cheerleading
by Bonnie Risner Miller	email as of Aug 09, 2003	Class: 1960

In the sixth grade at the elementary school in Moraine City (isn't that one named C. F. Holliday?), I can recall, as plainly as though it were yesterday, being selected as an elementary school cheerleader. I don't recall if we were selected or ELECTED, though.) As odd as it sounds, I also don't recall just what it was, for which we were cheering. Were we playing baseball back then? Or was it possibly football(nah, not in elementary school!) or was it basketball? Well, whatever the case, those who were selected (or elected, as the case may have been, at the time) along with me were Sharon Borger, Flossie Gray, and Shirley Tudor. Ironically, the four of us would continue all the way through school together and would graduate in the same class. While we were at the elementary school, being cheerleaders together, we had to wear gym shoes (as they were called, back then) with white socks. Those shoes were very likely of the Keds brand. Remember those? We also had to wear Kelly green skirts, (the very full ones, of course) white blouses, and gold ribbons tied at the collar of the blouses (bolero style). The school colors, you see, were Kelly green and gold. I'd give just about anything for one photo of the four of us in those outfits, during the 1953-1954 school year. But if one exists, I don't know of it. It was a wonderful and care-free time. No one ever heard of "drug" except as it related to "store" and that was the place where we had sodas. The first-model, 1953 Corvette had been introduced and it was the hottest thing on the road (some things never change), bread cost sixteen cents a loaf, candy bars were five cents and a huge, double-dip, ice cream cone was only ten cents. Very popular, also, were the "penny candy" items, and yes, they really were just a penny. Gasoline fluctuated between nine and eleven cents a gallon and Woody's Supermarket had become a viable force in the art of retailing grocery items, after his start as a produce stand which was housed in a tent. Who knew that his would eventually be towted as the largest supermarket in Ohio? About 57 years after he began, his grocery empire would close and West Carrollton kids everywhere would collectively mourn the loss of the town's greatest landmark. Proprietor Woodrow Wilson Bowman celebrated his 90th birthday on January 6, 2003. I thank him for many wonderful memories and for employing half the graduates of West Carrollton High School, at one time or another.


WCHS summers
by Bonnie Risner Miller	email as of Aug 09, 2003	Class: 1960

The summers between school years in the West Carrollton School System were especially memorable for me. Oh, the miles we walked, during those summer vacations! No one had a car very often, at that time. But no one cared. My most memorable summers were probably those spent in Miami Shores, which covered my years from 4 until I was 14, and we moved across the river, directly across the street from the old, Indian River Fruit Market and South Moraine Platte. During those earlier summers, all the kids in Miami Shores walked everywhere together. We were sort of sequestered in many ways, as people had to cross the old bridge to reach our little enclave. Also, as I would learn much later in life, we were considered to be in a "lower socio-economic" group, if we lived in Miami Shores. But I have to be honest with you, I never once experienced that sort of attitude from anyone, back then. It was only years later, even after graduation, when I heard that other Miami Shores kids had had that type of experience. I never, ever did. To this day, I view my years in Miami Shores with great fondness and it's the first place I head, when I hit town again. I still love to drive around the streets and reminisce. In the 1950s, those of us who walked everywhere together consisted of me and Shirley Tudor and a whole passle of WC guys! There was Charlie High, Ronnie Craig, Bill Howard, and Jim Richardson, mainly. As we'd walk around, we'd encounter other kids who lived there---Carl Robbins, Sonny Williams, Pete Baily, Jim Lindsey, Tom Fee, Phil Howard, Lonnie Thacker, Gary and Janet Wills, Anita and Jackie Mason, Jerry Fuller, Barry Russello, Jerry Harlan, Gary Richards, Reed and Bailey Hawkins, Sharon Reynolds, Helen Ary, Wanda Spinks, Terry Stratenberger, to name just a few. There were also houses we visited, such as the Coffeys and the Pierces. Once I had moved across the river, we still had the walks, but it was never quite the same. We began then, to frequent the Miamisburg Municipal Pool on a daily basis, for which I had a season pass, if I was really lucky. Usually, I did. But everyone from school was always at the pool. That last big Labor Day Weekend at that pool, just before the start of the school year, was always so fun!


CF Holliday, Jr High, and High School - What a trip!
by Richard Hoffman	email as of May 29, 2004	Class: 1969

I recall many fine teachers at CF Holliday, Mr McNabb, Ms Haggerty, Mr Helm, and many others... I recall being a Patrol Boy, recess, sock hops, being in Band, getting burr haircuts, playing baseball, dodgeball and more. In Jr High, I recall Band, Mr Bashore, Mr Boston, the Kennedy assasination announcement, football, science Class, becoming fascinated with a subject like UFOs that altered my life. I recall, many wonderful musicals like the King and I, Oklahoma and Photography courses. I recall at Sr High, Band with Harry Haggerty, Library work, Photography club, Mr Strahan, Tennis, Art classes, and the continuation of my UFO pursuits. I recall events leading up to landing a man on the moon and Vietnam. I recall Woodstock, having Gary Lewis and the Playboys at a class concert to raise money and the wonderful people we all said goodbye to as we went off in life. These and a host of other memories are with me always. I recall growing up on Lamme Rd in Moraine. Heading to the Big Boy and getting a "real" sandwich! I recall Woodies, Throckmorton's, going to the big downtown area and spending much of my life at Old River Park, my father worked in the Food Service for NCR. My mother and brother and my sons still live in Dayton. It is always nice to visit these and other landmarks every time I return. Here in the DC area, we are marking Memorial Day with the opening of the WWII monument. Many former vets and their families are here with us. These people take me back. They are the generation that taught us, raised us and provided us with much to be grateful for. I thank God for this country, for being raised here and being blessed by their dedication, patience and overall service. People like Murl, Miss March and the myriads of others will not be forgotten!


First day at the Old West Carrollton High School
by Donna Tudor Johnson	email as of May 31, 2005	Class: 1955


First day at the Old West Carrollton High School
by Donna Tudor Johnson	email as of May 31, 2005	Class: 1955

My sister Doris and I started to school at the old WC in the 6th grade. I can remember so well that Mr. Cavendar was our home room teacher. He and his wife Mrs. Cavendar both taught the 6th grade classes. Patsy Kinney also went to the front of the class and took attendance. I can remember so well the way she looked standing up there with her pencil and paper in hand and how she would point that pencil and count the students who were there. I also remember that Mrs. Cavendar's room had little trinkets from the gum machines on a piece of thread hanging all around the room. We used to go out on recess and trade cards that had pictures on them. Back then all the kids went to West Carrollton High School from grades 1-12. We mostly knew everyone at the school too even down to the little kids. Life was simple back then. I graduated in 1955 and I never heard of drugs. The worst thing young people did was sneak around and smoke at slumber parties. I cannot believe it has been 50 years since Doris and I graduated. Doris passed away in 2000 and I sure do miss her. She was a cheerleader all through high school and was the home-coming queen for 1955. Jery Davis escorted her out on the football field. I think he was captain of the football team. I feel blessed that I got to grow up in the 40's and 50's. My sister Deana graduated in 1957 and she passed away in 1999. My youngest sister Shirley graduated in 1960. She and I are the only members of our family who are still living. We are very close to each other and we made a pact to both die on the same day. West Carrollton was a wonderful place to live and grow up and we always had a great time there. Does anyone remember the big fat hot dogs from Schells Cafe that were only 15 cents apiece? I worked there for a couple of years and have to tell you they had the best food in town. Ham sandwiches for 30 cents and hamburgers for 20 cents. A coke was 5 cents. Those were the days my friend.


Memorable teacher , Murl Huffman, Civics
by Donna Tudor Johnson	email as of Jul 11, 2005	Class: 1955

Out of all the teachers I had throughout my 12 years of school, 7 of them at West Carrollton I remember Murl Huffman most of all. Mr. Huffman was the teacher who paid close attention to every student he taught. He taught me not to slump my shoulders but to hold them back and stand straight and be proud of my height. He also taught me not to talk in his class by making me write a 1,000 word paper and title it "Why I should not talk to Dick Gibbons in class". He also taught me what it was like to do a lot of homework as he assigned us terms and had us write the meaning of them on notebook paper every 6 weeks. He was a stickler on people doing thier homework and turning it in on time. Mr Huffman really enjoyed his job as a school teacher and I believe he still remembers every student he ever taught. He make me feel good about myself. I wonder if he ever knew what an inferiority complex I really had. Maybe he did! I still see Mr Huffman at the Alumi's and other get togethers and I am sure he will make an appearace at our 50th class reunion this year. So to you Mr Huffman, "Thanks for all you did to help me grow up and learn a little History. You are a dear friend. Sincerly, Donna Tudor Johnson


Walter Shade Elementary - Mrs. Green
by Cheryl Gale Henderson	email as of Mar 23, 2006	Class: 1973

A Tribute to My Favorite Teacher: THE TREASURE OF THE SNOWFLAKE The day fit the project. There was a biting crispness to the air and a silvery grayness to the sky that had already stirred the hearts of the students toward hopeful thoughts of snow. With little scissors awkwardly grasped, chubby fingers maneuvered the folded white pieces of paper, carefully snipping out tiny triangles, circles, and squares. Mrs. Green, the first-grade teacher, watched with amusement as her students approached the task with glee. With the last �snip�, Mrs. Green announced �Now unfold the paper�, and with gasps of delight, each child beheld the beauty of their own unique creation. She then asked each child to write anything they wished upon his or her newly created snowflake. With pencil in hand, I wrote �Snowflake dancing in the air, don�t go away. I like you there.� At six years old, I knew nothing of the scientific makeup or uniqueness of a snowflake, nor had I studied the nature of its composition or the factors affecting its formation. No one had ever told me there were �no two snowflakes alike�. At that young age, I only knew the snowflake was a beautiful thing and it brought me joy. My parents, on the other hand, were amazed that their six-year-old daughter could write anything, let alone a poem. And so it became a �first-grade treasure� that they saved and returned to me many years later. Recently, I spent a lazy Saturday afternoon sorting through some of my childhood mementos and came across the snowflake poem (albeit a little less white than I remembered it to be). As I re-read the poem written all those years ago, I began thinking about it in light of the poems I�ve written for the Lord since I was saved in 1983. Was this a precursor to what was to come? Was there something more to the simple little verses than what appeared at first glance? It was time to do some research. �Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow?" (Job 38:22) According to data provided through scientific study and weather analysis, it is estimated that each year there are approximately 1 septillion (or a trillion trillion) snow crystals that drop from the sky across the world. More amazing than that is the fact that there are no two snowflakes alike. How like the Creator to create something so exquisite. So unique. So like us. (Just like the snowflake, no two human fingerprints are alike. The ridges on the fingers, palms and soles of the feet have three characteristics which appear in combinations that are never repeated on the hands or feet of any two persons. These markings form on a person's hands and feet before they are born and do not change for as long as the person lives. In general, any area of �friction� skin that you can cover with a dime on your fingers, palms, or soles of your feet will contain sufficient individual characteristics in a unique 3-unit relationship to enable positive identification to the absolute exclusion of any other person on earth.) �I am fearfully and wonderfully made . . .� (Psalm 139:14). So like Him. The uniqueness of every snowflake speaks of the uniqueness of our God and His "one and only Son" (John 3:16, NIV). �God alone is God�there is no other.� (Deuteronomy 6:4; Job 23:13). And "there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12). God is absolutely and truly unique. There is nothing or no one else to whom He can be compared. �Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.� (Isaiah 44:6). While there are no two snowflakes alike, they do have one thing in common. All snowflakes are hexagonal, which means they have six sides (sometimes referred to as �arms� or �wings�). How appropriate. �Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.� (Isaiah 6:2). �Each of the four living creatures had six wings and . . . day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." (Revelation 4:7-9). According to scientists, in order for a raindrop or a snowflake to be created, a tiny speck of dust must be drawn up into the clouds. It is there that water vapor attaches itself to the dust particle and the process begins. High above the earth, the conditions in the clouds actually cause a snowflake to form around the nucleus of a dust particle. Dust cannot be transformed into snow by remaining earthbound, because it is the atmosphere of the clouds that causes the transformation to take place. Think for a moment about the process just described. God said to Adam �for dust thou art� (Genesis 3:19). Just as the dust of the earth and the atmosphere of heaven must come together for a snowflake to be born, so to a sinner cannot be transformed into a saint if he remains earthbound. The dust of the earth - man, and the atmosphere of heaven - Jesus Christ, must come together for a saint to be born. �Except a man be born from above, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.� (John 3:3). "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.� (Isaiah 1:18). After the snowflake is formed and floats with such beauty through the air, we see the splendor and the brilliance of the snowflake. The dust is no longer visible. All that is evident is the beauty and the glory that has formed around the tiny particle of dust. So too, we are "transformed into the same image from glory to glory" (2 Corinthians 3:18). And so, I now know why the sight of falling snow brings me such pleasure. It is another uniquely beautiful creation . . . created by a uniquely beautiful Creator to remind us of Him . . . and who we are in Him. Much too young to realize God�s hand was on my life. Forty-four years later, I now look back and see with great surprise that at six years old He spoke through me, knowing some day I would see that my simple, childlike snowflake poem was actually a prophecy about the Creator of the snowflake, and who He is to me . . . the first verses of a ministry designed to bring Him glory. Snowflake dancing in the air, don�t go away. I like you there. You remind me of my Father, so exquisite, so beautiful, so fair . . . there is no other anywhere who ever can compare. --Cheri Henderson Waynesville resident, free-lance writer, and speaker, Cheri Henderson, is one of several writers featured in the newly released book, "Divine Stories of the Yahweh Sisterhood" (Legacy Publishers International; ISBN: 1880809427). Many of Cheri's other works have been published in magazines and periodicals throughout the world, such as Billy Graham's "Decision Magazine", "Woman's Touch" and "The Annals of St. Anne de Beaupre" (Canada).


Walter Shade Elementary - Mrs. Green
by Cheryl Gale Henderson	email as of Mar 23, 2006	Class: 1973

A Tribute to My Favorite Teacher: THE TREASURE OF THE SNOWFLAKE The day fit the project. There was a biting crispness to the air and a silvery grayness to the sky that had already stirred the hearts of the students toward hopeful thoughts of snow. With little scissors awkwardly grasped, chubby fingers maneuvered the folded white pieces of paper, carefully snipping out tiny triangles, circles, and squares. Mrs. Green, the first-grade teacher, watched with amusement as her students approached the task with glee. With the last �snip�, Mrs. Green announced �Now unfold the paper�, and with gasps of delight, each child beheld the beauty of their own unique creation. She then asked each child to write anything they wished upon his or her newly created snowflake. With pencil in hand, I wrote �Snowflake dancing in the air, don�t go away. I like you there.� At six years old, I knew nothing of the scientific makeup or uniqueness of a snowflake, nor had I studied the nature of its composition or the factors affecting its formation. No one had ever told me there were �no two snowflakes alike�. At that young age, I only knew the snowflake was a beautiful thing and it brought me joy. My parents, on the other hand, were amazed that their six-year-old daughter could write anything, let alone a poem. And so it became a �first-grade treasure� that they saved and returned to me many years later. Recently, I spent a lazy Saturday afternoon sorting through some of my childhood mementos and came across the snowflake poem (albeit a little less white than I remembered it to be). As I re-read the poem written all those years ago, I began thinking about it in light of the poems I�ve written for the Lord since I was saved in 1983. Was this a precursor to what was to come? Was there something more to the simple little verses than what appeared at first glance? It was time to do some research. �Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow?" (Job 38:22) According to data provided through scientific study and weather analysis, it is estimated that each year there are approximately 1 septillion (or a trillion trillion) snow crystals that drop from the sky across the world. More amazing than that is the fact that there are no two snowflakes alike. How like the Creator to create something so exquisite. So unique. So like us. (Just like the snowflake, no two human fingerprints are alike. The ridges on the fingers, palms and soles of the feet have three characteristics which appear in combinations that are never repeated on the hands or feet of any two persons. These markings form on a person's hands and feet before they are born and do not change for as long as the person lives. In general, any area of �friction� skin that you can cover with a dime on your fingers, palms, or soles of your feet will contain sufficient individual characteristics in a unique 3-unit relationship to enable positive identification to the absolute exclusion of any other person on earth.) �I am fearfully and wonderfully made . . .� (Psalm 139:14). So like Him. The uniqueness of every snowflake speaks of the uniqueness of our God and His "one and only Son" (John 3:16, NIV). �God alone is God�there is no other.� (Deuteronomy 6:4; Job 23:13). And "there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12). God is absolutely and truly unique. There is nothing or no one else to whom He can be compared. �Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.� (Isaiah 44:6). While there are no two snowflakes alike, they do have one thing in common. All snowflakes are hexagonal, which means they have six sides (sometimes referred to as �arms� or �wings�). How appropriate. �Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.� (Isaiah 6:2). �Each of the four living creatures had six wings and . . . day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." (Revelation 4:7-9). According to scientists, in order for a raindrop or a snowflake to be created, a tiny speck of dust must be drawn up into the clouds. It is there that water vapor attaches itself to the dust particle and the process begins. High above the earth, the conditions in the clouds actually cause a snowflake to form around the nucleus of a dust particle. Dust cannot be transformed into snow by remaining earthbound, because it is the atmosphere of the clouds that causes the transformation to take place. Think for a moment about the process just described. God said to Adam �for dust thou art� (Genesis 3:19). Just as the dust of the earth and the atmosphere of heaven must come together for a snowflake to be born, so to a sinner cannot be transformed into a saint if he remains earthbound. The dust of the earth - man, and the atmosphere of heaven - Jesus Christ, must come together for a saint to be born. �Except a man be born from above, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.� (John 3:3). "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.� (Isaiah 1:18). After the snowflake is formed and floats with such beauty through the air, we see the splendor and the brilliance of the snowflake. The dust is no longer visible. All that is evident is the beauty and the glory that has formed around the tiny particle of dust. So too, we are "transformed into the same image from glory to glory" (2 Corinthians 3:18). And so, I now know why the sight of falling snow brings me such pleasure. It is another uniquely beautiful creation . . . created by a uniquely beautiful Creator to remind us of Him . . . and who we are in Him. Much too young to realize God�s hand was on my life. Forty-four years later, I now look back and see with great surprise that at six years old He spoke through me, knowing some day I would see that my simple, childlike snowflake poem was actually a prophecy about the Creator of the snowflake, and who He is to me . . . the first verses of a ministry designed to bring Him glory. Snowflake dancing in the air, don�t go away. I like you there. You remind me of my Father, so exquisite, so beautiful, so fair . . . there is no other anywhere who ever can compare. --Cheri Henderson Waynesville resident, free-lance writer, and speaker, Cheri Henderson, is one of several writers featured in the newly released book, "Divine Stories of the Yahweh Sisterhood" (Legacy Publishers International; ISBN: 1880809427). Many of Cheri's other works have been published in magazines and periodicals throughout the world, such as Billy Graham's "Decision Magazine", "Woman's Touch" and "The Annals of St. Anne de Beaupre" (Canada).