Bullock County High School Class of 1971 – 55th Class Reunion to be held

Submitted by Dennis Thomas

The Bullock County High School Class of 1971 will celebrate its 55th Class Reunion on October 7 at the Union Springs Country Club and Golf Course. A golf tournament will also be held that day.

This reunion is about more than memories—it is a fundraiser to provide scholarships for this year’s Bullock County High School seniors. The effort is being spearheaded by Mr. Wiley Edley.

The Class of 1971 was a very special class. I was on the faculty that year during my first year in the classroom, and I remember those students well. They went on to become physicians, government officials, administrators, business owners, educators, career military professionals, and devoted community servants. Dr. John Jernigan, who practices in Montgomery today, was a member of that outstanding class.

I also remember so many wonderful educators from that time, including Mrs. Lenora Rainer, Mr. Howard Davis, Ms. Adams, Mrs. Annie Mae Turner, Mrs. Regina McNair, Mrs. Pricilla Thomas, Mr. Curtis Jernigan, Mrs. Mattie Coston, and Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Oliver. Other teachers and friends included Mrs. Sarah Ogletree, Ted Youngblood, Johnny Roy Finlayson, Steve Hickman, Mr. Ben Chancellor, John Hall, Mrs. Betty Hall, and Superintendent R. G. Cook.

Our principal was Mr. Theodore White, and he was a good one. Coach Richard Chapman led the football team to a 9–1 season and a CAC championship, with Coach Richard Carter serving as assistant coach. Coach Carter later won more than 700 basketball games in Alabama and Georgia and was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. Coach Roosevelt “Rosie” Sanders, also an Alabama Sports Hall of Fame inductee, led basketball and won several state championships, with Coach Carter by his side as assistant coach.

We had a really good school in 1971—and now we have an opportunity to invest in the young people walking those halls today.

Union Springs City Councilman Lynn Jinks and Tommy Paulk told me I could use their names anywhere I wanted to, so I am doing it now.

Three generous supporters have already pledged:

Tommy Paulk, $1,500

Lynn Jinks, $1,500

Dennis Thomas, $1,500

Now we are asking businesses, alumni, friends, and supporters of Bullock County to step forward. We would love to have at least 20 names and businesses on this list. Any contribution will be appreciated, recognized, and could make a lasting difference in a student’s life.

To make a pledge, please contact Kim Graham at 334-850-8230. Checks may be made payable to Citizens Park, Inc. and mailed to Christy Crow at 219 N Prairie St., Union Springs, AL 36089.

Bonnie Plant, Miracle-Gro, AFC, local businesses, former students, and friends—this is your chance to make a difference and show the next generation that Bullock County still looks out for its own.