Willie Garrett Spiller

After graduation I kinda slummed around in Beaumont. After a couple years of being bored, I joined the Navy. That was the best thing I could have done. I was very fortunate in the duty stations I was assigned to, starting with the Philippines and ending in Norfolk, Va after 20 years. I met a lot of people and some very good friends through the years, but nothing can compare to those high school years and the friends for life I made there.

I remember a lot about High School but I think the thing that sticks with me to this day is the way some of my classmates never judged me for my 'mistakes'. The main people who come to mind are Dianna Johnson, Cathy Simien, Anjanette Jones and Paula Joubert. They were true friends and I thank each of you for your support and compassion. You all play a role in the way I am today and the way that I treat others. I also remember those competitions with ROTC. We would have so much fun on those trips, except the one time we were sent home before we could compete because of ONE person starting trouble. Going to mini bootcamp in California and Florida was good also because I was able to meet people from different upbringings and learn from them. I loved High school and if I could do it over again (with the same values and discipline we had then), I would do it, but with more participation in school activities other that ROTC. GO BUFFS!!!!!