HISTORY OF FAIR PARK HIGH SCHOOL
Fair Park High School is on in the National Register of Historic Places. The school was placed on the National Register January 11, 2001.
Construction of Fair Park began in the spring of 1928 and opened for the first students in the fall of 1928. The name came from a near-by residential area known as Fair Park and the school's location across the street from the Louisiana State Fair Grounds.
The original building, located on a 10-acre site, was designed to accommodate 500 students. However, by 1929 the school's enrollment was over 700.
Mr. J.W. Ward was the first principal. He served from 1928 until his death in 1937.
The first issue of the Pow Wow, the student newspaper, was published in December 1929; and the first Sequoyah, the yearbook, was published in 1931. The use of an American Indian theme and selection of the Indian as the mascot was to honor the history of Indian tribes in the area, especially the Caddo Indians. Indian artifacts were found on the site during the construction of the school.
By 1931, Fair Park's enrollment had grown so large that it became necessary to add two new wings to the original building. One wing was for classrooms, while the other wing provided the school with an auditorium.
During 1937-38, the annex was constructed. With the addition of the annex, four classrooms were added to the building.
Mr. Edward Lee Alberson became principal in 1937. Mr. Alberson served the school until his retirement in the spring of 1957.
The Class of 1953 was the last class to start Fair Park High School as eighth graders. At that time, junior high schools were being built in Shreveport to accommodate seventh, eighth, and ninth grade students. Fair Park became a tenth through twelfth grade school.
In 1956, an extensive remodeling program was undertaken. With the completion of this construction, a new gymnasium, industrial arts area, and music building were added to the campus. Until this addition, the basketball team had practiced and played games at the Lakeshore Junior High School gymnasium.
Mr. E.H. Herron served as assistant principal for a number of years under Mr. Alberson. Mr. Herron became principal in 1957 and served in this capacity until his death in the early spring of 1960.
Dr. Earl A. McKenzie, former teacher, elementary school principal, and supervisor, was appointed principal of Fair Park in 1960. On August 15, 1966, Dr. McKenzie left Fair Park after being named assistant to the Superintendent of Caddo Parish Schools. He later served as Superintendent of Caddo Parish Schools.
In 1961, the tile Indian was added to the floor in the main entry of Fair Park High School. Mr. Hervey Sistrunk of Tri-State Tile Company designed and installed the tile Indian. The location of the tile Indian is known as "Sacred Ground".
In 1963, the hand carved wooden Indian was transported to Fair Park High School. The Indian was hand carved by Mr. Greer. The Indian was a gift to the school from the Class of 1963.
Mr. B.H. Brantly, former teacher and assistant principal, served as principal from 1966 until his resignation on January 25, 1971. Mr. Brantly departed Fair Park to take a position on the staff of Northeast Louisiana University.
Mrs. Sibyl Murphy was an assistant principal at Fair Park under Mr. Brantly. She served as acting principal until a new principal was named.
Mr. Clem Henderson came to our school in 1948, serving as a teacher, coach, and assistant principal. He was appointed principal of Fair Park in January 1971. Mr. Henderson took a leave in 1976 to do post-graduate work at the University of Arkansas and retired in 1977.
During the summer of 1971, forty-three years after the original plant was constructed, Fair Park again received a "face-lift". Renovation, under the close supervision of Mr. Henderson, began at the close of school in May 1971, at a cost of $575,000. When school opened in September, almost all construction had been completed. Metal windows were installed and the exterior surface of the building was sandblasted and waterproofed. The administrative offices were enlarged, renovated, and central heating and air-conditioning were added. The counselors' offices were relocated, enlarged, with central heating and air- conditioning added. To provide a more convenient location, the library was moved from the third floor to the first floor. The library was carpeted, decorated, and new furniture was purchased. A small addition, adjacent to the new media center, provided space for a professional library for use by faculty members during their unencumbered periods. The teachers' lounge was carpeted, decorated, and new furniture was purchased for the area. The interior of the school was repaired, painted, and new boilers were installed to replace the old ones that were antiquated and inadequate. In 1974, the learning center was added to the campus. Two large additional classrooms were made available in the gymnasium/industrial arts area when the career center (now known as the business center) opened.
Mr. Johnny Bilberry, former teacher, coach and assistant principal was named acting principal for one year in 1976 during Mr. Henderson's leave. He was appointed principal during the summer of 1977 and left Fair Park when he was named Supervisor of Health and Physical Education in Caddo Parish in the fall of 1977.
Mr. Roland L. Antoine, Sr., former teacher, coach, and assistant principal, was appointed to the position of principal during the fall of 1977. During his administration, in the spring of 1979, the career center was renovated to become the business center. In 1982, a Medical Careers Magnet Program was added to the curriculum. Mr. Antoine retired in June 1992.
The first Director of the Medical Careers Magnet program was Ms. Marty Parker and a teacher in the program was Jennie Boyd. The second Director of the program was Ms. Barbara Sullivan and the third Director of the program was Ms. Ruthie Adams. The position of director was eliminated in the fall of 2010. At that time, the Caddo Parish Schools central office attempted to close the program by cutting the funding for the Medical Careers Magnet program. Thanks to the persistence of Mr. Curtis Hooks, Caddo Parish School Board member for District 5, and Mrs. Cathy Bonds, Director of the Fair Park High School Alumni Association funding for the program was restored in the fall of 2010. Mrs. Cathy Bonds, Director of the Fair Park High School Alumni Association acted as recruiter for the program starting in the fall of 2010. The position of Medical Careers Magnet secretary was cut in the spring of 2011due to a budget crisis in the Caddo Parish school system. Until that time, Ms. Deborah Wilson had served as secretary for the program for a number of years.
Mr. John Dilworth, former teacher and assistant principal, became principal of Fair Park. He served as principal from July 1992 through April 1994.
Ms. Jean Ware was assistant principal of Fair Park at the time of Mr. Dilworth's departure. Ms. Ware served as interim principal until a new principal was named.
Mrs. Wanda Brooks was appointed principal in June 1994. During her administration, the JROTC firing range building was added to the campus. Mrs. Brooks served as principal through August 1999. Later, she was appointed Assistant Personnel Director of Classified Personnel with Caddo Parish Schools.
Mr. Eddie Cooper was a teacher and an assistant principal prior to coming to Fair Park High School. On September 21, 1989, he was appointed assistant principal of Fair Park. He was appointed interim principal in July 1998 through August 1999, during the medical leave of Mrs. Brooks. Mr. Cooper was appointed principal of Fair Park in September 1999. During Mr. Cooper's administration, Fair Park High School was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition, the science building was added to the existing facility.
Mr. Bruce Daigle was appointed interim principal in July 2004 through July 2005, during the medical leave of Mr. Cooper. The Caddo Parish School Board appointed Mr. Daigle principal of Fair Park High School in July 2005. Mr. Daigle started JUMP, a program for incoming ninth grade students. On June 27, 2008, Mr. Daigle was transferred to Northwood High School to become the principal there. Replacing Mr. Daigle, as interim principal, was Mr. Robert Silvie, formerly assistant principal of discipline at Fair Park.
Mr. Robert Silvie became principal of Fair Park High School on October 21, 2008 and served in that position until June 2009. Under Mr. Silvie, the office for the Fair Park High School Alumni Association was established at the school. Among other contributions as principal, Mr. Silvie was instrumental in having students and teachers open each school day with the singing of our alma mater. Also during his tenure, the 80th anniversary of the opening of Fair Park High School was celebrated.
In early 2009, the Caddo Parish School Board adopted the "Caddo Plan". Under that plan, Fair Park High School became a college preparatory academy.
Ms. Donna Marshall was appointed principal of Fair Park on May 13, 2009. She resigned her position, as principal, June 28, 2010.
Mr. Jerry Davis was appointed principal of Fair Park High School on August 4, 2010. Mr. Davis was moved to the Caddo Parish School Board central office as special assistant to the superintendent on October 26, 2012.
In 2010, under Caddo Parish School Superintendent Dr. Gerald Dawkins, the Caddo Plan was implemented. This plan placed seventh and eighth grade students on the campus of Fair Park, Woodlawn, Huntington, Booker T. Washington, and Green Oaks high schools.
Mr. James Outley was appointed principal of Fair Park High School on October 26, 2012. He remained principal until June 2014. Under Mr. Outley, the Home Economics Department was removed from the school.
Mr. Bruce Daigle became the principal of Fair Park High School for the second time in June 2014.
At the end of the 2013-2014 school year, seventh and eighth grade students at Fair Park High School and Woodlawn High School were returned to middle schools in the area.
Even though the Fair Park High School physical plant was built in 1928, it remains both a functional and beautiful facility, standing proudly, to serve the students and the surrounding community.
CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS AND COACHES
BASEBALL
1957 Milford Andrews
1963 James Farrar
1965 James Farrar
1970 Doug Robinson
BASKETBALL
1963 Clem Henderson
2006 Ronald Preston
FOOTBALL
1952 F. Homer Prendergast
TRACK
1980 Joe Guillory
GOLF
1941 Roy Wilson
Fair Park High School is on in the National Register of Historic Places. The school was placed on the National Register January 11, 2001.
Construction of Fair Park began in the spring of 1928 and opened for the first students in the fall of 1928. The name came from a near-by residential area known as Fair Park and the school's location across the street from the Louisiana State Fair Grounds.
The original building, located on a 10-acre site, was designed to accommodate 500 students. However, by 1929 the school's enrollment was over 700.
Mr. J.W. Ward was the first principal. He served from 1928 until his death in 1937.
The first issue of the Pow Wow, the student newspaper, was published in December 1929; and the first Sequoyah, the yearbook, was published in 1931. The use of an American Indian theme and selection of the Indian as the mascot was to honor the history of Indian tribes in the area, especially the Caddo Indians. Indian artifacts were found on the site during the construction of the school.
By 1931, Fair Park's enrollment had grown so large that it became necessary to add two new wings to the original building. One wing was for classrooms, while the other wing provided the school with an auditorium.
During 1937-38, the annex was constructed. With the addition of the annex, four classrooms were added to the building.
Mr. Edward Lee Alberson became principal in 1937. Mr. Alberson served the school until his retirement in the spring of 1957.
The Class of 1953 was the last class to start Fair Park High School as eighth graders. At that time, junior high schools were being built in Shreveport to accommodate seventh, eighth, and ninth grade students. Fair Park became a tenth through twelfth grade school.
In 1956, an extensive remodeling program was undertaken. With the completion of this construction, a new gymnasium, industrial arts area, and music building were added to the campus. Until this addition, the basketball team had practiced and played games at the Lakeshore Junior High School gymnasium.
Mr. E.H. Herron served as assistant principal for a number of years under Mr. Alberson. Mr. Herron became principal in 1957 and served in this capacity until his death in the early spring of 1960.
Dr. Earl A. McKenzie, former teacher, elementary school principal, and supervisor, was appointed principal of Fair Park in 1960. On August 15, 1966, Dr. McKenzie left Fair Park after being named assistant to the Superintendent of Caddo Parish Schools. He later served as Superintendent of Caddo Parish Schools.
In 1961, the tile Indian was added to the floor in the main entry of Fair Park High School. Mr. Hervey Sistrunk of Tri-State Tile Company designed and installed the tile Indian. The location of the tile Indian is known as "Sacred Ground".
In 1963, the hand carved wooden Indian was transported to Fair Park High School. The Indian was hand carved by Mr. Greer. The Indian was a gift to the school from the Class of 1963.
Mr. B.H. Brantly, former teacher and assistant principal, served as principal from 1966 until his resignation on January 25, 1971. Mr. Brantly departed Fair Park to take a position on the staff of Northeast Louisiana University.
Mrs. Sibyl Murphy was an assistant principal at Fair Park under Mr. Brantly. She served as acting principal until a new principal was named.
Mr. Clem Henderson came to our school in 1948, serving as a teacher, coach, and assistant principal. He was appointed principal of Fair Park in January 1971. Mr. Henderson took a leave in 1976 to do post-graduate work at the University of Arkansas and retired in 1977.
During the summer of 1971, forty-three years after the original plant was constructed, Fair Park again received a "face-lift". Renovation, under the close supervision of Mr. Henderson, began at the close of school in May 1971, at a cost of $575,000. When school opened in September, almost all construction had been completed. Metal windows were installed and the exterior surface of the building was sandblasted and waterproofed. The administrative offices were enlarged, renovated, and central heating and air-conditioning were added. The counselors' offices were relocated, enlarged, with central heating and air- conditioning added. To provide a more convenient location, the library was moved from the third floor to the first floor. The library was carpeted, decorated, and new furniture was purchased. A small addition, adjacent to the new media center, provided space for a professional library for use by faculty members during their unencumbered periods. The teachers' lounge was carpeted, decorated, and new furniture was purchased for the area. The interior of the school was repaired, painted, and new boilers were installed to replace the old ones that were antiquated and inadequate. In 1974, the learning center was added to the campus. Two large additional classrooms were made available in the gymnasium/industrial arts area when the career center (now known as the business center) opened.
Mr. Johnny Bilberry, former teacher, coach and assistant principal was named acting principal for one year in 1976 during Mr. Henderson's leave. He was appointed principal during the summer of 1977 and left Fair Park when he was named Supervisor of Health and Physical Education in Caddo Parish in the fall of 1977.
Mr. Roland L. Antoine, Sr., former teacher, coach, and assistant principal, was appointed to the position of principal during the fall of 1977. During his administration, in the spring of 1979, the career center was renovated to become the business center. In 1982, a Medical Careers Magnet Program was added to the curriculum. Mr. Antoine retired in June 1992.
The first Director of the Medical Careers Magnet program was Ms. Marty Parker and a teacher in the program was Jennie Boyd. The second Director of the program was Ms. Barbara Sullivan and the third Director of the program was Ms. Ruthie Adams. The position of director was eliminated in the fall of 2010. At that time, the Caddo Parish Schools central office attempted to close the program by cutting the funding for the Medical Careers Magnet program. Thanks to the persistence of Mr. Curtis Hooks, Caddo Parish School Board member for District 5, and Mrs. Cathy Bonds, Director of the Fair Park High School Alumni Association funding for the program was restored in the fall of 2010. Mrs. Cathy Bonds, Director of the Fair Park High School Alumni Association acted as recruiter for the program starting in the fall of 2010. The position of Medical Careers Magnet secretary was cut in the spring of 2011due to a budget crisis in the Caddo Parish school system. Until that time, Ms. Deborah Wilson had served as secretary for the program for a number of years.
Mr. John Dilworth, former teacher and assistant principal, became principal of Fair Park. He served as principal from July 1992 through April 1994.
Ms. Jean Ware was assistant principal of Fair Park at the time of Mr. Dilworth's departure. Ms. Ware served as interim principal until a new principal was named.
Mrs. Wanda Brooks was appointed principal in June 1994. During her administration, the JROTC firing range building was added to the campus. Mrs. Brooks served as principal through August 1999. Later, she was appointed Assistant Personnel Director of Classified Personnel with Caddo Parish Schools.
Mr. Eddie Cooper was a teacher and an assistant principal prior to coming to Fair Park High School. On September 21, 1989, he was appointed assistant principal of Fair Park. He was appointed interim principal in July 1998 through August 1999, during the medical leave of Mrs. Brooks. Mr. Cooper was appointed principal of Fair Park in September 1999. During Mr. Cooper's administration, Fair Park High School was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition, the science building was added to the existing facility.
Mr. Bruce Daigle was appointed interim principal in July 2004 through July 2005, during the medical leave of Mr. Cooper. The Caddo Parish School Board appointed Mr. Daigle principal of Fair Park High School in July 2005. Mr. Daigle started JUMP, a program for incoming ninth grade students. On June 27, 2008, Mr. Daigle was transferred to Northwood High School to become the principal there. Replacing Mr. Daigle, as interim principal, was Mr. Robert Silvie, formerly assistant principal of discipline at Fair Park.
Mr. Robert Silvie became principal of Fair Park High School on October 21, 2008 and served in that position until June 2009. Under Mr. Silvie, the office for the Fair Park High School Alumni Association was established at the school. Among other contributions as principal, Mr. Silvie was instrumental in having students and teachers open each school day with the singing of our alma mater. Also during his tenure, the 80th anniversary of the opening of Fair Park High School was celebrated.
In early 2009, the Caddo Parish School Board adopted the "Caddo Plan". Under that plan, Fair Park High School became a college preparatory academy.
Ms. Donna Marshall was appointed principal of Fair Park on May 13, 2009. She resigned her position, as principal, June 28, 2010.
Mr. Jerry Davis was appointed principal of Fair Park High School on August 4, 2010. Mr. Davis was moved to the Caddo Parish School Board central office as special assistant to the superintendent on October 26, 2012.
In 2010, under Caddo Parish School Superintendent Dr. Gerald Dawkins, the Caddo Plan was implemented. This plan placed seventh and eighth grade students on the campus of Fair Park, Woodlawn, Huntington, Booker T. Washington, and Green Oaks high schools.
Mr. James Outley was appointed principal of Fair Park High School on October 26, 2012. He remained principal until June 2014. Under Mr. Outley, the Home Economics Department was removed from the school.
Mr. Bruce Daigle became the principal of Fair Park High School for the second time in June 2014.
At the end of the 2013-2014 school year, seventh and eighth grade students at Fair Park High School and Woodlawn High School were returned to middle schools in the areas.
Even though the Fair Park High School physical plant was built in 1928, it remains both a functional and beautiful facility, standing proudly, to serve the students and the surrounding community.
SCHOOL HISTORY
FROM
1931 YEARBOOK
The sunshine of the spring of 1928 fell upon a plain, very woody-looking field on the edge of the Greenwood Road. People passed by, gazed off into the distance, and thought nothing. But in the autumn of the same year when the passerby looked for the old red clay terrace, there was none! Shining in the twilight of the Indian Summer, with its tower raised toward the heavens, stood Fair Park High School in all its splendor; for, in a comparatively short time, the high school population of Shreveport had grown from a small group in the old Hope Street Building to the two large high schools, the C. E. Byrd and the Fair Park, occupying every available space in these two magnificent school plants.
When Shreveport High School student body was transferred from Hope Street to the C. E. Byrd, it was only a matter of two years until that building was filled. The School Board then looked for relief and directed its attention to the Western section of the city. The present location of the Fair Park School was the result of a careful survey and work began immediately. This proved to be a wise selection.
The building, site, and furnishings were provided at a total cost of $481,000. The completion of the new building made possible the opening of the 1928-1929 sessions which found many Freshmen and Sophomores busily exploring the new building. Due to the fact that schedules must be planned for the first time and many other things worked out, few extra-curricula activities were started.
The second year of the new school, '29 and '30, brought many changes. Clubs sprang up on every side. Athletics were started. Football, basketball, baseball, and track were centers of enthusiasm. But the high spot of the school year was the founding of the school paper, the "Pow- Wow", by the Juniors of '29 under the sponsorship of Miss Delia Munday. As the month of May drew to a close, the B-Seniors were promoted to ll-A, and the school lacked only one half grade being complete.
In the fall of '30, the state inspector made a visit to Fair Park, and by the addition of 11-A course, the school became accredited. The "Pow-Wow" advanced two steps toward recognition by becoming a member of Quill and Scroll Society and the National Journalism Society. Football took its merits by winning more than half the games of a stiff schedule. As a memorial, the "Sequoyah" was published by the Seniors of '31. As times flies from year to year, and students go from the floors of Fair Park out into life, may the honors which they have reaped for their Alma Mater seem doubly blessed.
Edith Bailey
Edith Bailey was the President of the Class of 1931 and later taught English at Fair Park High School.
HISTORY
OF
FAIR PARK HIGH SCHOOL
Fair Park High School is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Construction of Fair Park began in the spring of 1928 and opened for the first students in the fall of 1928. The name came from a near-by residential area known as Fair Park and the school's location across from the Louisiana State Fair Grounds.
The original building, located on a 10-acre site, was designed to accommodate 500 students. However, by 1929 the school's enrollment was over 700.
Mr. J.W. Ward was the first principal and served from 1928 until his death in 1937.
The first issue of the Pow Wow, student newspaper, was published in December 1929; and the first Sequoyah, the yearbook, was published in 1931. The use of an American Indian theme and selection of Indian as the mascot was due to the history of Indian tribes, especially the Caddo, in the area and location of artifacts on the building site.
By 1931, Fair Park had grown so much that it became necessary to add two new wings to the original building. One wing was for classrooms while the other provided the school with a greatly needed auditorium.
During 1937 - 38, the annex, consisting of four classrooms, was added.
Mr. Edward Lee Alberson became principal in 1937 and served the school until his retirement in the spring of 1957.
In 1956, an extensive remodeling program was undertaken with completion of a new gym and
industrial arts area and a music building. Until then, the basketball team had practiced and played games at the Lakeshore Junior High gym.
Mr. E.H. Herron, who for a number of years served as assistant principal, became principal in 1957 and served in this capacity until his death in the early spring of 1960.
Dr. Earl A. McKenzie, former teacher, principal and supervisor, became principal in 1960 and left Fair Park when he was named assistant to the Superintendent of Caddo Parish School on August 15, 1966. He later served as superintendent.
Mr. B.H. Brantly, former teacher and assistant principal, served as principal from 1966 until his resignation January 25, 1971 to take a position on the staff of Northeast Louisiana University. During his tenure, he took a leave of absence, and Mrs. Sibyl Murphy, an assistant principal, served as acting principal.
Mr. Clem Henderson, who came to Fair Park in 1948 and served as a teacher, coach and assistant principal, assumed the principalship in January 1971. He took a leave in 1976 to do post-graduate work at the University of Arkansas and retired in 1977.
During the summer of 1971, forty-three years after the original plant was constructed, Fair Park again received a "face-lifting." Renovation, under the close supervision of Mr. Henderson, began at the close of school in May 1971, and cost of $575,000. When school opened in September, almost all construction was completed. Metal windows were installed and the exterior surface of the building was sandblasted and waterproofed. The administrative offices were renovated, enlarged, centrally heated and air conditioned. The counselors' offices were relocated, enlarged and air conditioned. The library was moved from the third floor to the first floor to provide a more convenient location; and was refurnished, carpeted and redecorated. A small addition adjacent to the new media center provided space for a professional library for use by faculty members during their unencumbered periods. Two large additional classrooms were made available in the gymnasium/industrial arts area when the career center opened. These were assigned for beginning typewriting classes. The interior of the building was repaired, painted, and new boilers were installed to replace the old ones that were antiquated and inadequate. The teachers' lounge area was refurnished, redecorated, and carpeted. In 1974, the learning center was added.
Mr. Johnny Bilberry, former teacher, coach and assistant principal was named acting principal for one year in 1976 during Mr. Henderson's leave. He was appointed principal during the summer of 1977 and left Fair Park when he was named Supervisor of Health and Physical Education in Caddo Parish in the fall of 1977.
Mr. Roland L. Antoine, Sr., former teacher, coach, and assistant principal, was appointed to the position of principal during the fall of 1977. During his administration, the learning center was renovated to the business center in the spring of 1979. A Medical Careers Program was added to the curriculum, with appropriate renovations including air conditioning in 1982. Mr. Antoine retired June 1992.
Mr. John Dilworth, former teacher and assistant principal became principal of Fair Park in July 1992 through April 1994.
Mrs. Wanda Brooks was appointed principal in June 1994. During her administration, the JROTC firing range was added to the school. Mrs. Brooks served as principal through August 1999. Later, she was appointed assistant personnel director of classified personnel with the Caddo Parish School Board.
Mr. Eddie Cooper was a teacher and an assistant principal prior to coming to Fair Park High School. On September 21, 1989, he was appointed assistant principal of Fair Park. He was appointed interim principal in July 1998 through August 1999, during a medical leave of Mrs. Brooks. Mr. Cooper was appointed principal of Fair Park in September 1999. During Mr. Cooper's administration, the school building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and the science wing was added to the existing facility.
Mr. Bruce Daigle was appointed interim principal in July 2004 through July 2005, during a medical leave of Mr. Cooper. The Caddo Parish School Board appointed Mr. Daigle principal of Fair Park High School in July 2005. Mr. Daigle started JUMP, a program for incoming ninth grade students. On June 27, 2008, Mr. Daigle was transferred to Northwood High School to become the principal there. Replacing Mr. Daigle, as interim principal, was Mr. Robert Silvie, formerly assistant principal of discipline at Fair Park.
Mr. Robert Silvie became principal of Fair Park High School October 21, 2008 and served in that position until June 2009. Under Mr. Silvie, the office for the Fair Park High School Alumni Association was established at the school. Among other contributions as principal, Mr. Silvie was instrumental in having everyone stand and sing the alma mater each morning. Also during his tenure, the 80th anniversary of the opening of Fair Park High School was celebrated.
In early 2009, the Caddo Parish School Board adopted the "Caddo Plan". Under that plan, Fair Park High School became a college prep high school.
Ms. Donna Marshall was appointed principal of Fair Park on May 13, 2009.
Even though the Fair Park High School physical plant was built in 1928, it is still a functional and beautiful one.
Fair Park High School
Honor Legion, Arrowettes, Cherokee Belles
1955 - 1997
From the 1957 Yearbook:
The Fair Park high School Honor Legion was organized in 1955, through the joint efforts of Mrs. Norma Lindsey and Mr. E. L. Alberson, principal. The honor Legion, a service organization both to Fair Park and the community, supported the Fair Park teams, performed at football and basketball games, and represented the school in parades and in civic projects. The colors of the organization, scarlet red, white, and horizon blue, were carried out in the uniforms, which are patterned after those of the original French Foreign Legion. The French theme was adopted because Louisiana was once a French territory. First Honor Legion Officers were Josephine Carbone, Colonel and Mary Ann Leon, Lieutenant Colonel. Honor Legion Social Officers were Jo Van Dyke, President; Gwen Brown, Treasurer; Suzanne Griffin, Secretary: and Sandy McCalla, Vice President.
The Drum and Bugle Corps and flags add much color to the Honor Legion. The flags excelled in precision flag drills, and the Drum and Bugle Corps were admired for their marching as well as musical ability. The Drum and Bugle Corps practiced every day of the week.
At mid-term of every year, any Fair Park girl was eligible to try out for membership in the Honor Legion. The members were selected on marching ability, overall appearance, and character. The final approval came from the members and the screening committee, composed of past officers. The organization was composed of Companies "A", "B", "C", and "D".
In the year 1957, the Honor Legion represented Fair Park at several out-of-town games and parades. A spectator at the Baton Rouge - Fair Park football game in Baton Rouge complimented the "Legion" in a letter to The Shreveport Times. "It was the finest display we have ever witnessed at a high school game in Baton Rouge," he said. The organization was composed of Companies "A", "B", "C", and "D".
From the 1963 Yearbook:
One of Fair Park most readily recognized groups, the Honor Legion, brightened Shreveport's parades, and performed at football and basketball games. Mrs. Norma Lindsey and Mr. Alberson founded the Honor Legion in 1955. In 1963, the Honor Legion was under the direction of Miss Ira K. Long.
Known for its fast stepping and colorful traditional uniforms, the marching pep squad spent long and hard hours during the summers and school year to perfect drills. The Honor Legion was composed of Companies "A" and "B".
From the 1963 Yearbook:
Honor Legion girls don new uniforms.
The Honor Legion founded in 1955 by Mrs. Norma Lindsey and Mr. E. A. Alberson, was one of Fair Park's most readily recognized groups. Three years under the direction of Miss Ira K. Long, the pep squad lightened parades by its snappy step and performed at football games and basketball games.
In 1963, the pep squad changed from the traditional uniform to one of gold blazers and white pleated skirts. To help pay for uniforms and sponsor the annual spring trip, certain projects, such as candy sales and license plate sales, were undertaken and had great success.
Officers of the Honor Legion in 1964 were Jenice Reyenga, Colonel; Jackie Lockard, Lieutenant Colonel; and Mary McIlwain, Lieutenant Colonel. The Flag Line and Drum and Bugle Corps remained a part of the organization until the end.
I963 was the final year of the Honor Legion at Fair Park High School.
From the 1965 Yearbook:
In the summer of 1965, the Arrowettes were formed. The Arrowettes was the name given to the new pep squad. Sponsored by Miss Ira K. Long and Mrs. Emma Loyce Smelley, the new Arrowettes donned uniforms of the school colors of black, white, and gold.
Practice began in the summer in preparation for the school year. At many football games the Arrowettes performed precision marching drills. Snappy hand routines added to the excitement of basketball season. In addition to attending games, the pep squad boosted the spirit at pep rallies, sponsored the annual Mardi Gras and marched in the State Fair Parade, Veteran's Day Parade, and the Holiday in Dixie Parade.
Membership was limited to girls with a "C" average who had a desire to serve their school.
The first officers were Judy McKinney, Colonel; and Glenda Gooch, Lieutenant Colonel.
The final year for the Arrowettes was in 1983. Gladys McKnight served as the last Arrowette Colonel from 1981 - 1983.
From the 1986 Yearbook:
The 1986 yearbook features thirteen members of the Cherokee Belles as Fair Park's marching and pep squad.
From the 1997 Yearbook:
The Cherokee Belles were last pictured in the 1997 yearbook.
Alma Mater
Hail Fair Park High School,
We your praises sing;
Our Alma Mater,
May we ever cling
To the high principles,
May we loyal be;
And Fight! Fight! Fight!
For all that's right,
And march to victory!
History
Of Our Alma Mater
The Fair Park High School Alma Mater was written by W. Hines Sims.
He was the band director at Fair Park from 1935 to 1944
and also the minister of music at Queensborough Baptist Church.
This tribute poem was composed by Irving Heard on his return trip to California following his Golden Reunion with the Class of 1952 at Fair Park High School. The poem was presented at the banquet for the 52nd Class Reunion in 2004.
A Fair Park High School Golden Reunion
Our graduation class of Nineteen Fifty-Two
Invited all members to assemble anew
They sent invitations both far and wide
"All seniors come forth with spouse by side!"
So I said to the wife "Do you think we should go,
It's not your reunion, there's no one you'd know"
"Don't be silly she said, it'll be a riot"
Then she hid all my beer and put me on a diet
Then the big day arrived amid much anticipation
Time to greet the Tribe of the Fair Park Nation
But after fifty years I wondered what lay ahead
Would anyone care, if I were alive, or dead?
Well I drove our rental car into the parking lot
While another fine gentleman took the next spot
But the guy that jumped out must 'a been a wit
Cause he told my wife she hadn't changed a bit
Then the gala began and I did little but stare
Who were all these people with all the silver hair
Then one by one my old memories took hold,
And like a miracle not a single person looked old
Then I recognized Glen and Jackie and Mary Ann
Then Gay, May, and Fern, then both Bob and Sam
I remembered Harley, James, Betty Jane, and Joy
And Larry and Phillip, and Sara, Medy and Roy
And so many volunteers who served to please
Like Raymond and Rosalyn and Buddy and Louise
Martha, Jane, Danny and David shaking my hand
As did Gloria and Harold and Bill, Dot and Dan
The love in the eyes and the guaranteed trust
Nurtured by the effects of a half century on us
We have mastered vocations from A to Z
And some gave their lives that we might be free
Our famous were remembered like Davis and Young
And so many angels whose names were sung
Our beloved teachers could shout out loud
For this is a class that would make any school proud
And then it all ended as friends hugged goodbye
Why I stayed away so long I'll never know why
And I proclaim right now as I lay down this pen
I can hardly wait for us to get together again
God Bless All Fair Park High School Classmates
Alumni association
Our Fair Park History
FPHS Celebrating 81 Years
POW WOW
Fair Park High School Alumni Association
November - December 2009
For your review, attached is a synopsis of the projects funded and completed, and the activities the Fair Park High School Alumni Association participated in, from the inception of the organization to the present.
Information:
If your class is planning a reunion and you would like to have information concerning the event posted on the Alumni Association's website, please send the information to CathyRBonds@aol.com. Reunion information will be posted on our website under the heading of "Future Pow Wows".
Around the Reservation:
After a seven-year absence, our yearbook, The Sequoyah, will be published later this school year. Since there is no longer a Journalism Department at the school, the Alumni Association handled the advertising sales for the yearbook. The editor is our senior English teacher, April McCalister. Once the yearbook is re-established, it is our desire that there will be student involvement in this project, as has been the tradition at Fair Park.
We would like to thank the Fair Park JROTC for the outstanding Veterans Day program this year. The JROTC is approximately 300 members strong and is led by Major Alston, Sgt. Black, Sgt. Mosley, and Sgt. Summage. This year, Fair Park's Veterans Day program was marked by the presentation of a poster from the Classes of 1940, 1941, and 1942, listing the names of Fair Parkers killed during World War II. The framed poster, given to the Alumni Association, will be on display in the school. We thank Alice and Dallas Greene for their efforts in having the poster printed and the Classes of 1940, 1941 and 1942 for this gift. It is a beautiful memorial to these brave young men. This year the keynote speaker for the program was The Honorable Jackson B. Davis. Senator Davis served in the Louisiana Senate for twenty-four years and was at Pearl Harbor the day of the attack. Special guests at the event were family members of several of the fallen soldiers and retired Fair Park counselor Jolene Tabler. Mrs. Tabler's husband died serving our country in the Vietnam War.
We congratulate the JROTC. The JROTC recently entered several parish wide competitions and won numerous awards for the school.
The Fair Park Band, along with a number of staff and faculty, took advantage of the coupon offer mentioned in the previous newsletter and had dinner at Crescent Landing Catfish Restaurant. With the fifteen percent rebate, the band was able to add to their treasury and enjoyed a nice evening.
The Fair Park basketball season is underway for girls and boys. The head coach for the boys' team is Ron Preston and the head coach for the girls' team is Charles Thrash. We thank these gentlemen for their time and dedication to the players on the teams.
Projects:
At the end of the first nine-week grading period, the Alumni Association purchased medals for all students listed on the Honor Roll and Principal's List. These medals were awarded at a special school assembly. For the third year, we thank Gerry Woolman for aiding in the funding of this project.
Four students, selected by their teachers, were named "Students of the Month". These students were awarded the Alumni Association's Indianhead lapel pins. The "Student of the Month" award is based on academic excellence and attendance.
Donations:
James Flakes (Head Custodian) donated a class photograph for the Medical Careers Magnet Class of 1989-1990.
Maggie Ross Hill (Athletic Coordinator) contributed to our collection by adding a copy of the Fair Park High School Homecoming Program dated 2004.
Richard Zachery (1945) donated a copy of the first yearbook, dated 1931.
Carol McInnis (Librarian) made a valuable contribution to our memorabilia collection with the donation of the original framed charter for the Fair Park High School National Honor Society.
Rick Woodson (1959) recently donated Pow Wows dated September 25, 1958, October 17, 1958, November 26, 1958, February 13, 1959, and April 24, 1959. Rick also donated a copy of his book titled Words of Woodson, containing 40 years of Woodson's sports columns, published in 2007. In the September 1958 issue of the Pow Wow, there was an article about the formation of the National Honor Society at Fair Park. Mrs. Margaret McKenzie, Mrs. Ruth S. Johns and Mr. Lewis E. Day organized the Honor Society later that school year, in the spring of 1959.
Jean Ware (Supervisor of Math for Caddo Parish) donated two Pow Wows dated October 1981 and December 1981. Pictured in the October 1981 issue was the Class of 1931 at their fifty-class reunion. The 1931 class was honored at the1981 Homecoming.
Honorary and Memorial Gifts:
Memorial Gift Norma Cooper McKellar from Kaye Cochran (1969)
Memorial Gift Hubert Humphreys (Faculty) from Ginger (Virginia Schattner) Bryan (1964)
Memorial Gift Phil Franklin (1965) from Ginger (Virginia Schattner) Bryan (1964)
Memorial Gift Wayne Haney (1968) from Ernie Roberson (1968)
Memorial Gift Gary Williford (1968) from Ernie Roberson (1968)
This year the Association received many donations, honorary and memorial gifts, and a number of contributions from our corporate neighbors. Thanks to members and friends of the school there have been numerous historic items donated to the Fair Park Alumni Association's memorabilia collection. To all of our generous contributors, we sincerely thank you. Each contribution is greatly appreciated. Without your support, the work at our school would not be possible and our history would not be preserved.
For more information concerning the Alumni Association, photos of projects and activities, visit our web site at www.fairparkalumni.com. Please check the website often for information concerning events at the school, future reunions, and news updates.
Reflections:
This month's reflections are taken from the November 1981 issue of the Pow Wow.
Motto for the Class of 1931: "Our character is our will, for what we will we are"
Homecoming 1981: "An occasion dominated by reflections on what was - an awareness of what is and projection on what may be. An occasion where those returning to their alma mater from various places and endeavors share their experiences with those who will be following the same paths or those who will create and follow different paths."
Working together, as proud Fair Park Indians, we are accomplishing the mission of supporting our students, administration, staff, and faculty, uniting our classes and helping our beloved school. The members of the Fair Park High School Alumni Association Board of Directors: Clem Henderson, Verne Henderson, Cookie Moore Reed, Leo Sanford, David Stanford, Gerry Woolman, Pam Daughtry Ybos, and Cathy Ridley Bonds thank you for your support in 2009 and wish you and your family the very best in 2010. We ask for your continued prayers, and support of the Fair Park High School Alumni Association.
If I can be of assistance to you, please contact me at CathyRBonds@aol.com, P. O. Box 18525, Shreveport, LA 71138, or 281-893-0117.
We look forward to working with you in 2010 and seeing you at Alumni Association events.
Best regards,
Cathy Ridley Bonds
Director
FP Celebrating 81 Years
August - October 2009
Information:
August 17, 2009, marked the 81st time Fair Park has opened her doors for a new school year. This year enrollment stands at approximately 735 students. Prior to the arrival of students, the Alumni Association hosted our "Welcome Back to School" by distributing apples to all employees. For the third year, we thank County Market on Greenwood Road for their very generous donation of beautiful red apples.
Our list of Fair Park graduates receiving football scholarships to LSU continues to grow. Bobby Greene (1945) received a football scholarship to LSU but decided to play professional baseball instead. A broken ankle abruptly ended his baseball career.
Event:
Homecoming at Fair Park - The theme for this year's event will be "It's Our Time to Shine". Homecoming activities will start with the Coronation of the Homecoming Court on Thursday, October 22, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. in the Fair Park gymnasium. On Friday, October 23, 2009, Homecoming Day will start with a breakfast at 9:00 a.m. in the school's cafeteria. A $10.00 donation is requested for the event, payable in the main office the morning of the breakfast. Please make your reservations for the breakfast by calling the Fair Park office at 318-635-8181. Late afternoon on October 23rd there will be a pep rally in the Fair Park gymnasium. The Homecoming Football Game, Fair Park vs. Logansport, will be played on our home field, Independence Stadium. Game time will be 7:00 p.m. We look forward to seeing all graduates on the Reservation for a traditional Fair Park Homecoming!
Fair Park's annual Veterans Day program is scheduled for Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. The program will be held in the Fair Park gymnasium. This year our keynote speaker will be The Honorable Jackson B. Davis. All alumni are invited to attend.
Around the Reservation:
Our baseball coach, John Levy, provided information that former Fair Park standout, Reginald Williams has signed to play college baseball at Morris College in Sumter, S. C. Williams is a two-time All-District and two-times honorable mention All-City selection.
For the first time in our history, there was a 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony at Fair Park. The JROTC did an outstanding job of planning and executing the program. The keynote speaker for the event was the Honorable Cedric B. Glover, Mayor of Shreveport, Louisiana. Guest included State Senator Lydia Jackson, State Representative Roy Burrell, parish and city officials, representatives from the Shreveport fire and police departments, and Caddo Parish School system officials. Our thanks to everyone involved for the very moving service.
The Student Government Association recently participated in the Life Share Blood Drive. The SGA had as their goal the donation of 67 pints of blood. At the end of the day, students and teachers contributed 74 pints of blood in this very worthwhile effort. There will be two more blood drives this school year, one in January and the last in April. If the goal is achieved each time, a qualifying senior will receive a $500.00 scholarship. Everyone, including the alumni, is invited to participate. We thank Mrs. Phillips, SGA sponsor, for the many hours of work and guidance she provides to our students in this organization.
The Fair Park baseball coach and team are participating in the Shreveport Green Adopt-A-Street Program. The team is responsible for keeping San Jacinto Street clean, between Claiborne and Jackson. We applaud the team for their public service work.
Projects:
On behalf of the Fair Park Medical Careers Magnet Program, the Alumni Association recently made a request to Willis Knighton Health Care System for equipment to aid our students and teachers in this valuable program. Within ten days of the formal request, a Willis Knighton truck delivered all of the equipment requested. Their very generous donation included an electric hospital bed and mattress, a patient care simulator manikin, an auscultation simulator manikin, a wheelchair, and a walker. It is our desire to continually improve and expand our very important and much needed Medical Careers Magnet Program at Fair Park.
The Alumni Association was involved in bringing about the partnership between the Shreveport/Bossier Captains baseball team and the Fair Park baseball team. The Captains will donate any equipment they are unable to use to the Fair Park team. In addition, arrangements have been made for Fair Park's baseball team to play Caddo Magnet High School's team in the Captains stadium on April 8, 2010. Half of the ticket sales from that game will go to the Fair Park baseball program. More information will be available as game time approaches. We hope to see everyone at the game!
Chester Kelley, (1963) and owner of Crescent Landing Catfish Restaurant, has offered a great way for everyone to be able to help the Fair Park Band. Chester has provided coupons for use in his restaurant. When going to Crescent Landing for dinner, present the coupon to the server before ordering and 15% of the bill, excluding tax and gratuity will be donated to Fair Park for the benefit of the band. The offer is good on Friday nights only, between 4:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m... The offer is good through May 31, 2010. Coupons are available from the Band Director, Mr. Jenkins and Alumni Director, Cathy Bonds. These coupons may be copied and shared with friends. You do not need to be a Fair Park graduate to participate - everyone can help our band.
The Alumni Association recently provided funds for gold "away game" jerseys for the Fair Park baseball team. With the new line drag and field maker provided earlier this year by Calumet and the new jerseys, our baseball field and team will be looking good when the season arrives.
Honorary and Memorial Gifts:
Memorial Gift Raymond Wissing (1958) from Bob McAllister (1958)
Honorary Gift Robert L. Potter (1949) from Ray U. Tanner (1949)
Memorial Gift Margaret "Peggy" Kitchens from Barbara Bayne Purpera (1965)
Memorial Gift Dillard Coleman (1958) from Janis Wilton (1958)
Donations:
Sherry Helms recently donated a 1941 yearbook to our archives. The yearbook belonged to her mother, Katherine Norwood Long.
Robert Silvie (former principal) donated a T-shirt with the 2006 State Championship Basketball Team photo printed on the front of the shirt.
The Stromile Swift Foundation made a donation to Fair Park.
Theda Fielding (faculty) contributed to our memorabilia collection by adding a 1970 yearbook to the collection.
E. N. (Elmo) Norton contributed to our collection by adding an Indian figurine, Band Uniform Pin, Concert Band Program dated May 17, 1946, and a Fair Park vs. Byrd Football Program dated November 22, 1945.
Margaret Burns Harlan (1936) donated her 1936 yearbook to the memorabilia collection, along with a copy of the Fair Park High School Alma Mater and the 1930's Reunion Program dated October 1987.
After Shreveport Mayor, Cedric Glover delivered his speech on wisdom and courage at the Fair Park 9-11Program, he kindly signed, dated the speech, and donated it to the Alumni Association. The words wisdom and courage, the basis for his speech, are found on the Fair Park logo.
Jean Ware (central office) made a valuable contribution to our collection with the donation of the October 1978, November 1978, and March 1979 issues of the Pow Wow.
Jolene Tabler, retired counselor, donated an album dated 1990-1996, a collection of programs, several Student Handbooks and a Medical Careers Magnet Program Handbook, Memory Books for 2002 and 2003, a Football Program dated September 29, 1995, two Pathfinder, The Shreveport Times graduation sections dated 1999, 2003, and 2004, and Newsletters dated from 1989 to 1992.
Mr. James Flakes, custodian, added to our senior class photograph collection with the donation of photos from the years 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1985, and 1986.
We sincerely thank all of our donors. We are truly blessed to have such generous contributors. Your funds and material gifts are greatly appreciated. The memorabilia gifts provide valuable insight into the history of our school. Many visitors to Fair Park view and enjoy these remarkable donations. Once again, thank you for your contributions.
Reunions:
This has been a very busy time for Fair Park reunions. The class of 1959 held their reunion in August. There will be eight class reunions in the month of October. These include the Classes of 1952, 1953, 1954, 1964, 1969, 1979, 1984, and 1994. If your class is planning a reunion, please contact the Alumni Association, at 281-893-0117. We will be glad to post reunion information on the Alumni Association's web site under Future Pow Wows.
Reflections:
This excerpt is from the first issue of the Pow Wow, dated December 6, 1929. Oh, what a grand school we have! How proud of it we are! There are 735 of us under the instruction of 29 teachers, who are not only interested in the subjects they teach, but also in the welfare of the school and its pupils.
Our school is located on Greenwood Road, opposite the State Fair Grounds. It is surrounded by a very nice campus and is a beautiful school.
Our aim is to have the highest standards by which to live so that we may be an example for those who will follow us. We know that it is our school and that we are responsible for it; we owe to it the best of care.
The Fair Park Parent-Teacher Association was organized October 1928, for the purpose of a better understanding and more perfect co-operation between parent and teacher for the benefit of the pupil. It has aided in the purchase of new books for the library and in defraying expenses for the different athletic movements.
Upon occasion we are brought into assemblies in our beautiful auditorium, where we are often instructed by Mr. Ward, our principal, how we may co-operate with him for the good of all.
Membership:
Attached is a form if you would like to make a General Donation, Honorary Gift, or Memorial Gift to the Fair Park High School Alumni Association. Your contribution is appreciated.
For more information or a membership application, please visit the Association's web site at www.fairparkalumni, call, write, or e-mail Cathy Ridley Bonds at 281-893-0117, P. O. Box 18525, Shreveport, LA 71138, or CathyRBonds@aol.com. We look forward to having you as a member of the Fair Park High School Alumni Association!
We ask for your continued prayers and support. Working together, we are making a difference at Fair Park.
Best regards,
Cathy Ridley Bonds
Director
April - July 2009
Information:
Under the "Caddo Plan", adopted earlier this year by the Caddo Parish School Board, Fair Park has been given a new theme and principal to open the 2009 school year. The theme for Fair Park will be College Prep. The Fair Park High School Alumni Association welcomes Ms. Donna Marshall as principal. Ms. Marshall comes to us from Seattle, Washington, by way of Atlanta, Georgia. She was a high school principal in Seattle until her retirement. After retirement, Ms. Marshall moved to Atlanta to join her family and has done consulting work in Caddo Parish prior to being named principal of Fair Park. The Alumni Association looks forward to working with Ms. Marshall to aid the students, staff, faculty, and our school.
The Fair Park High School Alumni Association thanks Mr. Robert L. Silvie, former Principal and Assistant Principal, for his years of service and love for Fair Park and her students. The Association, also, thanks Mr. Silvie for establishing the Alumni Office at Fair Park. Among other contributions as principal, Mr. Silvie was instrumental in restoring pride and tradition to our school by starting each day by having everyone stand and sing the alma mater, and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to our Flag.
Mr. Howard Clayton, Assistant Principal, is also leaving Fair Park. We thank Mr. Clayton for his many years of service to the students and school.
Mrs. Jolene Tabler, Senior Counselor, announced her retirement from the Caddo Parish School System after thirty years of service, sixteen of those years at Fair Park. The Association thanks Mrs. Tabler for her dedicated service and love for the students of Fair Park. We also thank Mrs. Tabler for her many donations to the Alumni Association archives and for her support.
Our very best wishes go to these devoted educators.
As noted in the January-March 2009 issue of the Pow Wow, through the years, there have been a number of Fair Park graduates receiving football scholarships to LSU. Thanks to our readers, our list is now more complete. We proudly add these names to our list of Fair Parkers receiving LSU football scholarships: Gus Miciotto (1943), Charlie Glover (1951), Don Stinson (1951), and John Scotto (1958).
There was good news for our school when test scores were reported. Overall, Fair Park students showed a marked improvement in their scores over the previous year.
In May of this year, it was a great honor for our school and JROTC to receive the United States Flag that had flown over Bagdad, Iraq on November 15, 2008. The flag was presented to Major Alston, head of the Fair Park JROTC, and our cadets, in a formal ceremony on the Fair Park JROTC Drill Pad. The presentation was made by an officer from Fort Hood, TX. The Alumni Association takes this opportunity to sincerely thank all veterans and those currently serving in uniform for their service to our country. Your service is greatly appreciated.
As a way to express their appreciation for the support of the Alumni Association, the Fair Park JROTC honored Cathy Bonds by placing a black granite maker with gold inscription at the edge of their new drill pad. The marker was unveiled following the above mentioned flag presentation. It is an honor and humbling to receive such a beautiful tribute. We sincerely thank the JROTC leadership and cadets for this recognition.
This summer marked the first time the Fair Park custodial crew, headed by Mr. Flakes, and the Judson Elementary School custodial crew, headed by Mr. Taylor, partnered to clean both schools. The larger crew allowed for the moving of heavy furniture and a more through cleaning of both schools. As you can see by the photographs on the web sites, they did a wonderful job. We thank both crews for their outstanding work.
Event:
On Saturday, April 18, 2009, a luncheon for Alumni Association members and guests was held at Johnny's Catfish Restaurant in Shreveport, LA. We thank those attending, in the heavy rain, from the classes of the 1930's to the more recent years. Several traveled from the Fort Worth and Dallas areas to join us. A good time of fellowship was had by all!
Projects:
In late March, Employee Appreciation Days were marked by the donation of apples and candy. Again, this year, Myrna and Leo Sanford provided beautiful, large Red Delicious apples for every employee. On another day, candy bars were provided for everyone. We thank the employees of Fair Park High School for your dedication and service to our students and school. You are appreciated by the alumni.
Calumet Lubricants Company recently donated funds to purchase a new Field Drag, Line Marker, and the shipping of these items for our Athletic Department. These items were certainly needed by Fair Park.
For the second time in as many years, Lisa Davis contributed twenty Sonic Gift Certificates for the Kindness Award Project. These certificates are awarded to students, selected by teachers, for random acts of kindness on the Fair Park campus. It is a wonderful way to recognize daily acts of kindness and offer encouragement to others.
Honorary and Memorial Gifts:
Memorial Gift Mary Anne Attaway Lawler (1950) from Clem and Martha Henderson (Administration and Faculty)
Memorial Gift Margaret Glover Keen from Clem and Martha Henderson (Administration and Faculty)
Memorial Gift Thomas G. Nickolson (1949) from Ray U. Tanner (1949)
Memorial Gift Barry Wilkinson (1966) from Sam Wilkinson, Jr. (1960)
Donations:
Through the years, many individuals and classes have stepped forward to help our school. Before the formation of the Alumni Association, one such group, the Class of 1964, inquired about helping the school. The class leaders were told that the school was in need of a lawn mower to maintain the sports fields and the entire lawn (the lawns of Caddo Parish schools are cut on a parish wide rotating basis by the Caddo Parish School System). Funds were raised from the class and a riding mower was purchased and given to the school. That mower is still being used today. This gift enables Mr. Flakes, Head Custodian, and Mr. Rodney, Assistant Custodian, to mow our lawn more often and maintain the beauty of our campus. We thank Mr. Flakes and Mr. Rodney for their hard work. Weather permitting, our lawn is mowed and edged weekly.
About the same time, a group of graduates offered to supply cinder blocks to build the much needed dugouts for the Fair Park Baseball Field. The blocks were delivered and the Fair Park coaches constructed and painted the current dugouts.
From the beginning of the Alumni Association, Jimmy Stockard (1953) has donated the web site for the Fair Park High School Alumni Association. We appreciate this donation and his many hours of work on our site. Please visit the site often at www.geauxto.com/fpalumni.
Coach Clem Henderson (administration) recently made several donations to our archives, including the original 1952 State Championship Football Team Bus Roster, a 1990 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Booklet, the 1975 Class Photograph, and a copy of the Official Program from the 1939 Fair Park vs. Byrd football game.
Jimmy Raye (1946) added to our collection with the donation of the 1959 and 1960 yearbooks.
Ronnie Prude (2001) contributed to our memorabilia collection by adding his pro football jersey from the Baltimore Ravens.
Jolene Tabler (senior counselor) made a donation of her collection of Fair Park Student Awards Programs and Graduation Programs.
Robert Silvie (administration) made a valuable contribution to our collection with his donation of the 1963, 1985, and 1986 yearbooks, Fair Park Indian Bumper Stickers, Fair Park Game Day Pins, the framed photographs of the Classes of 2006 and 2009, a black and white Photograph of Downtown Shreveport around the turn of the century, and class rings from 1952 and 1989.
The generosity of Coach James Farrar, in loaning his original photographs of the 1963 and 1965 Fair Park High School AAA State Championship Baseball Teams, made it possible for Cathy and Wade Bonds to contributed framed copies of the photographs to the Association. James Farrar was the Head Coach of these teams. They also contributed a framed photograph of the 1971 State AAA Championship Baseball Team. The Head Coach of that team was Doug Robinson.
We sincerely thank all of our donors for your contributions, generosity, and love of Fair Park. Your gifts are greatly appreciated and add to the knowledge of the history of Fair Park.
Around the Reservation:
Spring is always a busy time on campus, as we look forward to the annual awards presentations and graduation.
The Senior Honor Awards presentations were made with around a million dollars in scholarships and college aid being given to Fair Park students. We thank Mrs. Tabler, Senior Counselor, for working with our students to acquire these funds.
The Junior/Senior Prom was held at the Barksdale Air Force Base NCO Club, with a large number of students and faculty attending. It was a beautiful event.
Ms. Ruthie Adams, Head of the Medical Careers Magnet Program, hosted the Medical Careers Banquet on the Fair Park campus.
As the school year came to an end, a good time was had by all at the Seniors vs. Faculty Basketball Game. The Senior Class Picnic was a time of relaxation for students and teachers alike with plenty of good food and fun. The same was true for the Special Ed. Student Picnic.
The traditional Honor Society Candlelight Induction Ceremony was held in the school auditorium, inducting fifteen new members. The sponsors for the Fair Park Honor Society are Mrs. Carol McInnis and Mrs. Inell Prealow, our librarians.
The annual Athletic Banquet was held in mid-May. During the event, twenty-five Letter Jackets were awarded to girls and boys participating in sports for two or more years. Funds for these jackets were donated by Alumni Association members: Jane Caruthers (1958), Wendell Davis (1984), Martha and Clem Henderson (Faculty and Administration), George Khoury (1946), Don "Moon" Mullins (1957), and Myrna (1946) and Leo Sanford (1947).
Graduation for the Class of 2009 was held at the Hirsch Coliseum the evening of May 20, 2009. Fair Park High School honor graduates were: Teresa Draper, Quentrell Murray, Briana Smith, Charles Abrams, Mychael Pineset, Ashley Williams, and Tiranisha Reed. It was a beautiful graduation ceremony, well attended, with over one hundred graduates. Along with his or her diploma, each graduate was given a membership card for the Alumni Association.
Our congratulations to all of those honored. We appreciate the time and dedication of the sponsors. The sponsors contribute many hours to making these events memorable for the students.
The Fair Park JROTC leadership and cadets attended a five day boot camp early in the summer to prepare them for assignments at school this fall.
Sports:
In addition to Morris Claiborne receiving a football scholarship to LSU, as reported in an earlier newsletter, three other Fair Parkers received athletic scholarships this year.
Carenn Baylor, one of our Lady Indians, coached by Charles Thrash, was awarded a scholarship to Angelina College in Lufkin, Texas. Travon Hill and Roozario Wiggins, coached by Ronald Preston, received scholarships to Wiley College in Marshall, Texas.
Carenn Baylor, one of our Lady Indians, coached by Charles Thrash, was awarded a scholarship to Angelina College in Lufkin, Texas. Travon Hill and Roozario Wiggins, coached by Ronald Preston, received scholarships to Wiley College in Marshall, Texas.
The Lady Indians Softball Team enjoyed their new uniforms supplied by the Alumni Association. This was a building year for the girls on the softball team and their coaches, Michael Edwards and Brian Bucker.
It was also a building year for our baseball team and Head Coach, Jimmy Hemsell. We look forward to a winning season next year.
The Fair Park Tennis Team had a very successful season with a 10 - 2 record. For twenty years, the Head Coach has been David Snow. Team members are: Devante Davidson, Cody Allen, Kaderrius Davis, Courtney Watts, and Juan Bell. The team went to regionals in Monroe, LA but unfortunately lost in the first round. The matches were very close, showing great potential for our young team in the coming year.
Our Lady Indians Track Team enjoyed a good season with Head Coach Michael Jiles and Assistant Coach, Pamela Williams.
The Men's Track Team, with Head Coach Lent Bursey, had an outstanding year, winning two events in the State meet held in Baton Rouge. Morris Claiborne won the 100 meter event and the 4x100 relay event was won by Harold Castle, Desmon Hill, Kenneth Young and Morris Claiborne.
Win or lose, Fair Park was well represented on the fields this year. Several of us attending the games heard the supporters for the opposing teams remark on the excellent sportsmanship shown by our players and coaches. It is how you play the game that counts; they were excellent ambassadors for the school. Another great year of Fair Park sports!
Reflections:
The Class of 1931 published the first yearbook in the history of Fair Park. The name of that yearbook, Sequoyah, was proposed by our first principal, Mr. Ward. Mr. Ward suggested the name Sequoyah because of the great work done by this Cherokee Indian born in Tennessee and living from about 1760 to 1843. Sequoyah labored long and tirelessly to create the Cherokee alphabet, made up of 85 characters. He also traveled a wide area and taught this alphabet to his people. The story of Sequoyah is inspiring and the use of his name was certainly a fitting selection for our yearbook.
Membership:
Please make your friends aware of the Fair Park High School Alumni Association and our activities. Membership is open to all graduates of Fair Park, former or current administration, staff, faculty, and friends of the school. Annual dues is $10.00 per person; a lifetime membership, if you are 70 or older, is $50.00 per person; and a lifetime membership, if you are 69 or younger is $150.00 per person.
Attached you will find a form, if you wish to make a General Donation, Honorary Gift, or Memorial Gift to the Fair Park High School Alumni Association. Your contributions are appreciated.
Please visit the Association's web site at www.geauxto.com/fpalumni, for photos pertaining to this newsletter, reunion information, or a membership application. For additional information call, write, or e-mail Cathy Ridley Bonds at 281-893-0117, P. O. Box 18525, Shreveport, LA 71138, or CathyRBonds@aol.com. We hope you will become a member of the Fair Park High School Alumni Association.
Soon it will be time for students to return to school. We are looking forward to another great year at Fair Park. We ask for your continued prayers and support. Working together, we are making a difference at Fair Park High School.
Best regards,
Cathy Ridley Bonds, Director
January - March 2009
Information:
The Fair Park High School Alumni Association's annual membership renewal notices went in the mail after Christmas. For those of you that have renewed your membership, we thank you. If you have not renewed your membership, please take a moment to complete the enclosed form for your renewal. Please help us by making your friends aware of the Fair Park High School Alumni Association and our activities. Membership is open to all graduates of Fair Park, former or current administration, staff, faculty, and friends of the school. Annual dues is $10.00 per person; a lifetime membership, if you are 70 or older, is $50.00 per person; and a lifetime membership, if you are 69 or younger is $150.00 per person. For more information or a membership application, please visit the Association's web site at www.geauxto.com/fpalumni, call, write, or e-mail Cathy Ridley Bonds at 281-893-0117, P. O. Box 18525, Shreveport, LA 71138, or CathyRBonds@aol.com. We look forward to having you as a member of the Fair Park High School Alumni Association!
Event:
Mark your calendars, on Saturday, April 18, 2009, there will be a luncheon for Association members and guests. Invitations will soon be mailed with more details about the event.
Around the Reservation:
On Monday, January 26, 2009, a second semester Back to School Night was held at Fair Park. It was well attended by parents and students.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009 was an exciting day on the Fair Park campus. Our quarterback, Morris Claiborne, signed to play football with LSU. With his signing, Morris became the 20th person to leave Fair Park for LSU on a football scholarship. Other included: Charles Barney and Ralph Hunt (1943), James Powell and Ray Collins (1945), Lee Hedges (1947), Gene Hedges and Joe May (1951), Tommy Davis and Harley Brown (1952), Mike Pharis and Phil Johnson (1963), Tommy Youngblood (1965), Bobby Joe King (1967), John King (1970), Wendell Davis (1984), Pat Rogers (1993), Reggie Robinson (1998), and Ronnie Prude (2001). Four of the above became professional players: Ray Collins, Tommy Davis, Wendell Davis, and Ronnie Prude. Those attending the signing ceremony were his mother, Ms. Alice Claiborne; Mrs. Lola May, Caddo Parish School Board member; Dr. Gerald Dawkins, Superintendent of Caddo Parish Schools; Mr. Roy Thomas, Director of High Schools for Caddo Parish; Mr. Otis Jones, Director of Transportation for Caddo Parish; Clem and Martha Henderson, Joe May, Frank Bright, Phil Johnson, Ronnie Prude, Stromile Swift, teammates, faculty and friends. Congratulations to Morris! We are looking forward to watching him play at LSU. See photos on the web site at www.geauxto.com/fpalumni
Projects:
The Alumni Association has been involved in several projects recently. The Fair Park Lady Indians Basketball Team was in need of new uniforms. Contributors to this project were Calumet Lubricants, Jane Caruthers (1958), Margaret Embry (1955), Janet (1969) and Steve Mc Donald (1968), Glenn Price (1947), Carolyn Webb (1956), and Gerry Woolman (1973).
Fair Park now has a Lady Indians Softball Team and they also had a need for new uniforms. Charles Farrar (1952) and his wife Lucy donated the funds for this project.
This is the third year the Alumni Association has funded letter jackets. The jackets are given to girls and boys participating in all sports for two or more years, with one jacket per student while at Fair Park. The students are selected by the coaches. This year the Association will award twenty-five jackets to our students. Those contributing to this project are Jane Caruthers (1958), Wendell Davis (1984), Martha and Clem Henderson (Faculty and Administration), George Khoury (1946), Don "Moon" Mullins (1957), and Myrna (1946) and Leo Sanford (1947).
Our thanks go to each contributor to these projects and our corporate neighbor. It would not be possible for the students to have these uniforms and jackets without your help. Your gifts aid in instilling pride in our students and school.
Donations:
Josephine Butler Allen (1945 and faculty) recently made a valuable contribution to our memorabilia collection. The donation included a collection of newspaper articles concerning events at our school from April 1973 to May 1975, a daily announcement sheet dated March 20, 1974, photographs of faculty and students dated 1981 to 1987, a certificate from The Society of Outstanding American High School Students, listing students, dated 1974, and several recent obituaries of Fair Park graduates.
Alice (1940) and Dallas Greene (1941) made a donation of a poster from the Reunion of the Classes of 1940, 1941, and 1942.
Marty and Thad Mullins made a wonderful donation. Thad's dad was the late Joe Barry Mullins, Band Director at Fair Park from 1944-1946. While going through his papers, they found items concerning Fair Park High School and contacted the Alumni Association. Their contribution included the Fair Park High School Concert Band Program dated May 17, 1946, held at the Municipal Auditorium and the Advertising Poster for the May 17, 1946 Band Concert. There was also a collection of photographs of the Fair Park Band. Marty and Thad were kind enough to include a photograph of Joe Barry Mullins, in his later years, and a copy of his obituary. Mr. Mullins lived in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and died at the age of 81. He began his career in 1934 teaching younger students and from 1948 to 1980, taught at Louisiana Tech, Northeast Louisiana University and retired from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Stromile Swift (1998) donated a basketball shooting machine to Fair Park. Stromile left Fair Park for LSU on a basketball scholarship and recently played for the New Jersey Nets.