FEBRUARY CLASS PROPHECY
The time is 1978. The scene is the cafeteria of Woodrow Wilson High School. The Class of 1953 Y2 begins its reunion as everyone files into his place. Many prominent and important people we see.
To our left we notice Guy Campbell, local dentist and President of the Virginia Dental Association, chatting with well known nurses, Norma Chiera and Carol Felton. Appearing together are the co-presidents of our largest private shipping industry, Robert and David Higgenbottom, with their efficient secretaries Shirley Kuebler and Marie Sanderlin. Now we glimpse the chief electrical engineer for General Electric, Pete Caravas, accompanied by Kirk Berkley, world known architect and engineer.
Arm in arm are those two celebrities of the Fourth Estate, Bob Royster and Bobby Rogers. Following closely is their feminine associate, Sylvia Futrell. As time for the program draws near, we glance at Jerrie LaForm Rodgers who is a prima Ballerina for the Metropolitan Opera, Barbara Livesay, interior decorator, and Frances Bell, distinguished illustrator.
To the side we observe a group of women chatting happily. Finally we recognize Mary King who is instructing Margarite Price and Gail Coltrain in the economical and efficient manner to run a household. A small but very audible applause fills the cafeteria as we notice in the doorway Paul and Howard Sackstien who recently returned victorious from the Olympic Games where they represented the United States in weight lifting.
The program begins with a welcome by former Class President, Bill Tutle, an honor graduate of West Point, and currently serving as an officer in the Air Force. There are three speakers: ~ America of 1960," Anne Edwards, and noted world traveler, Fred Berman. The evening devotions are rendered by Gilbert Lee Bailey, prominent Portsmouth minister. Next on the agenda appears Muriel Haymes, singer of both popular and classical music, who is accompanied by Barbara Mestesky, popular pianist.
Master of Ceremonies, Stafford Smith, local A&P manager, recognizes several former students who have earned titles in the field of sports. He introduces the present record holder of the English Channel Swim, Bernadine Speight; the winner of the National Women's Bowling Tournament, Rae Myers. Also Jack Pettyjohn is applauded for his the British Open Golf Tournament crown.
One by one the noted speakers are given their introduction. They each relate their experiences in their respective fields. Afterwards follows a fellowship period in which we have the pleasure of meeting more former classmates. Everyone is overjoyed to learn of Carol Bradley's fullfillment of her ambition as a concert pianist. Several graduates, including Rita Barnes, Nancy Lister, and Anne Stublin are discussing their children's p05sibilities as Majorettes with Cathryn Brown, teacher of her own local school for majorettes.
Off to one side we hear that notorious actor, Charlie Jackson, telling of his acting experiences to Gloria Spence, bank clerk, and Betty Ziegenhain officer worker. Listening intently is Sallie Brewer, dietician for the school cafeteria. Approaching the group is state promoter of Christian work, Robert Jones.
Livelier than ever, Meyer Chovitz, television comedian, amuses the musical duet of Pat Broughton and Delores Halpin. Former "Miss Virginia," Beverly Jones, also finds laughter in Meyer's antics, as does Pat Carpenito who is a veteran player and coach of the Washington Redskins professional football squad.
Barbara Dupree, Wilson librarian, urges Bob Hayslett, renown band director, to write a book of his musical career. Agreeing with her are Alton Spradlin, who assists Bob, and Doris Cottle, featured singer of the band.
Michael Overton and Peggy Peed, two grads who have ventured into a life of politics, debate world affairs with Joyce Eubeuks, President of the National Parent Teacher's Association.
Portsmouth City Recreational leader, Carolyn Gray, talks over public affairs with Elaine Owens and Fay Mercer who have recently opened a school of charm for all young girls interested in a modeling career. Maxie Hicks, aeronautical engineer is seen congratulating James Cates, his contemporary, upon successfully completing the construction of the new City Park Bridge.
All of the February graduates of 19531/2 found it possible to join in therep~eat~ per. formance of their schooldays, Just think, if this were to happen (and who says it can't?) it would certainly be an occasion for the faculty and alumni of Woodrow Wilson High School. Let's hope it does!
