Fifty years ago the second graduation class at Scotland High School was about to graduate. We were the students, who in smaller community schools, experienced the first year of racial integration as we began our ninth grade, and consolidation of most of our small high schools in the 11th grade. Most of us grew with our new experiences and new friendships.
Many of our classmates left school or graduated and enlisted in our armed forces. Vietnam was the destination for most, most returned, and many did not. Others passed later from war injuries and cancer from Agent Orange exposure.
There were initially three classes — sophomores, juniors, and seniors — at the beginning, and they are henceforth known as the “First Footers,” or the first students to set foot into the new Scotland High School. For the first time students from nearly every high school in Scotland County — mostly small and rural schools — came together in one place: the new and for the first time: an air conditioned school.
This year the “First Footers” (SHS classes of 1968, 1969 and 1970s) are coming together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Class of ‘69 — or in my humble, unbiased opinion, the best class ever at Scotland High School!
Beginning on Thursday, May 2, and ending on Saturday, May 4, there will be three separate events at nearby beaches for the Class of 1969 and all First Footers. Jim McLean of Surf City, Joe Calvin Malloy of Houston, Texas, and Beacham McDougald of Laurinburg have by phone and Internet organized the events. Also, the treasurer of past reunions, John Bullard of Pinehurst, has saved our funds from our 20th reunion in 1989, and they will be completely used for this event — rendering most of Thursday’s and all of Saturday’s events at no charge.
Our schedule
Thursday, May 2, beginning at noon: A Fishing Tournament will begin at the Cherry Grove Beach Fishing Pier, located at the Prince Resort in Cherry Grove Beach. Pier fees for any “First Footers” have been paid and bait will be provided. Joe Calvin Malloy and Jim McLean are our fishing pros and teachers, so have no fear if you have never fished from a pier! You will need to bring your own pole (Joe Calvin Malloy recommends a $18 Shakespeare rod and reel from Wally World) or you may rent one from the pier. Several classmates plan to just visit and provide helpful “advice” to those fishing. Also, three engraved plaques will be awarded: the one catching the first fish, the one catching the largest fish, and the one catching the most fish. The tournament will end at 5 p.m. and a Dutch treat dinner is planned in the pier restaurant.
Friday, May 3, beginning at 5 p.m.: The “First Footers” will gather on the deck of the Dockside Restaurant on the river in scenic Calabash for a social hour, and a Dutch treat dinner will follow at 6 p.m.
Saturday, May 4, beginning about 4 p.m.: The “First Footers” will gather at Lou and Alan Stubbs (SHS ‘68) home at 1013 James Island Ave. in Cherry Grove for a seafood feast. Everyone is asked to bring their own chairs and drinks, but the steamed oysters, Low Country Seafood Boil, and Low Country fried cornbread feast are provided with along with great friends!
We have a Facebook page: Scotland High School First Footers that will provide any updates, or hopefully handle any questions.
Either way, please plan to attend either one of our events, two of them, or all three.
Cherry Grove and Calabash are both about 95 miles from Laurinburg, but as we have discovered, our classmates live nearly everywhere. We will come together and recall our school days, renew friendships, form new ones, and certainly have fun! Come back to the late 1960’s; come and join other “First Footers” at the 50th Anniversary Reunion of the Class of 1969!
We would love to have a count of the number of “First Footers” and their spouses or friends to expect. Feel free to email your intentions to Jim McLean at [email protected], Joe Calvin Malloy at [email protected], or [email protected].
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