On Friday, February 25, the new gymnasium at Blaney high school was dedicated with impressive ceremonies. Prior to the program in the new gym, supper was served in the cafeteria. Members of this refresh for committing were Mrs. Carol Bowen, chairman who was assisted by the following: Mrs. Charles Wooten, Mrs. Ernest Kirkland, Mrs. Douglas Aldrich, Mrs. Edwin Sessions, Mrs. Adolphus Dowey, Mrs. Mendel Barfield, Mrs. J. L. Ross, Mrs. A. B. Nelson, Mrs. Salley Koon, and Mrs. Earl Stockman.

At 7:30 the gymnasium was opened and the people assembled for the program. Phil Agresta, announcer for station WIS, served as master of ceremonies. The invocation was given by the Rev. Monroe Smith and J. D. Watson, chairman of the board of trustees welcome the guests. Arthur Stokes, Kershaw county superintendent of education gave a brief history of the Blaney school and also gave tribute to the former trustees of the school; the late Dr. W. D. Grisby, Jesse Ross, Walter Rose, Arnold Porter and J. Paul Ross. Members of the present board are: J. D. Watson, D. G. McLeod and W. L. Miles. The county delegation, which appropriated the money for the new building was introduced and these were: Senator R.M. Kennedy, Rep J. Claytor Arrants, and the present members which include Senator Kennedy, Rep. William Gettys and Rep. Ezell Kelley. Also recognized were Miss Sara Bowen, Edwin Sessions and the late Doctor Grigsby who, as members of the county recreational committee, secured the first $5,000 for the project.

The most interesting feature of the evening’s entertainment was the beauty contest in which 14 candidate participated. The girls taking part in the contest were: Allie Mae Branham, Betty Lou Dowey, Lillie Belle Dowey, Lois Branham, Wilma Motley, Martha Ray Branham, Ollie Dixon, Margaret Peake, Sivas Ross, Irene Reynolds, Nancy Strickland, Mary Grace Branham, Betty Aldrich and Christine Crumpton. Miss Olie Dixon and Miss Lois Branham. The beauty queen was crowned by J. D. Watson, Jr., agriculture teacher. During the evening the high school chorus, directed by Mrs. George H. Tompkins, gave several numbers.

H. W. Rast is superintendent of the school.