On May 27, 1938, 17 students marched forward in the Blaney School auditorium to receive their high school diplomas from school superintendent C. A. Byrd. On June 23, 1998, the 12 surviving members of that class met in the Willow Oaks Farm restaurant of Two Notch Road to dine and celebrate 60 years of passage since that memorable day. Two others former classmates also met with us.

I was thrilled that we had no absentees, and this feeling was expressed by all those present. It is most unusual in this day and time that all of us still live less than 25 miles from the location of the old school. Our addresses are Lugoff, Elgin, Blythewood or Columbia. Elgin is the new name for the town of Blaney.

Our school was located on U. S. 1 in the heart of old Blaney. All 11 grades were in this school at that time. Students who live in the area now go to the high school in Lugoff at Lugoff-Elgin High School. Our old building no longer exists because a number of years after our graduation, the principal at the time decided to burn it down on night after that year’s graduation. He reportedly had stolen some school money and he hoped to hide it by burning down the building. He was caught and spent time in prison for this act.

Despite our small size, we considered it a great place to spend our high school years. We were a Class C school in sports, and we regularly fielded teams in football, baseball, basketball and track. Perhaps the crowning glory for the boys was sinning the county basketball championship our senior year. This meant defeating Camden, many times our size, as well as other schools in the county which were our size. Many of our girls were on the girl’s basketball team.

Our first class reunion was in 1988 when we celebrated 50 years since graduating. At that time, 16 of our 17 members were still living. We had 13 girls and four boys in the class. It is my opinion today that we had a first-class school with excellent teachers and one which it would be well for current schools to emulate.

At our reunion, there was the excitement of getting back together again, and conversation never stopped. Each member of the class was asked to tell the other some highlights of their life since graduation. Everyone offered words of wisdom.

One girl told of her desire to be a foreign missionary, but her daddy said absolutely not. So she said that she has tried to do everything she can for the people with whom she has come in contact. Several member expressed their faith and how our Lord has looked over them in good times and bad. Others told of their vocations and the contacts they have made, in them. Some told of their love of gardening. World travel and places where they have lived and visited were told by others. Our five deceased members were remembered with words of tribute and a moment of silence for each.

After a good meal, the cake, which featured a large 60 on it, was cut and enjoyed by all. It was then picture- taking time. A group photo of our graduates is enclosed. It was a great occasion, and plans were discussed for another reunion when we are 75 years out of dear old Blaney High.

Graduates in attendance were Sarah Boykin Johnson, Martha Branham Williams, Ruth Branham Morgan, Herman A. Brazell, Almena Miles Boykin, Mildred Miles Branham, Mildred Motley Ross, Bertha Nelson Goff, Richard Pool, Rubie Reynolds Sill, Albert Sanders O’Quinn and Margaret Sessions Branham. Also attending were Charles W. Branham and Ethel McCreary Freeman.

Deceased class members are Nancy Catherine Hawkins, Beulah Miles McCardle, Rubie Moore Pool, A Raymond Paschal and Willie D. Sanders.

By Richard Pool
Columbia