Senior Class History

     Each of us has heard the phrase by Thomas Wolfe, "You can't go home again."  This statement holds much truth for our years at CHS.  Though we can't relive years gone by, we can occasionally glance back at the memories Cherryville High School brought about.

     In August of 1971, our class of 170 sophomores assembled in Starnes Auditorium embarking on the long, winding trail ahead of us.  With the new and different surroundings at CHS, we chose only the best students for class officers.  Therefore we elected Gerald Alexander, president; Ted Poston, vice president; Tommy Summer, secretary; and Mary Upchurch, treasurer.  Steve Beam was chosen by the entire student body as treasurer of the Student Council.  Homecoming 1971 brought excitement and anticipation to our class.  Renee Adams, a former class member, represented us as our sophomore sponsor.  In January, the junior class picked eight sophomores to serve at the Junior-Senior prom which was to be held in May.  They were Pam Summer, Mickey Ray, Leslie Terres, Susie Parker, Curtis Hovis, Mitch Eaker, Steve Beam, and Clifton Parker.  During the Awards Day program in May, Tommy Summer was given the award for "Most Outstanding Sophomore Football Player".  By the end of the school year, CHS felt like our new home.

     Our junior year was one of diligent work and exciting times.  This year required capable leaders.  They were Clifton Parker, president; Rusty Eaker, vice president; Debbie McClure, secretary; and Alan Sipe, treasurer.  Tommy Summer led the class in the magazine sale in September of 1972.  The astounding total sales were $10,583.75.  We had surpassed the amount of $9062.22 set by the class of 1973.  The Junior Class Sponsor for Homecoming 1972 was Mary Upchurch.  With the ending of football season came the announcement of Tommy Summer and Chuck Dellinger making the All-Conference team.  In early December, thirteen of our most outstanding class members were inducted into the National Honor Society.  Soon after mid-term Junior Marshals for the graduation exercises were announced.  Rhonda Beam was named chief.  Following in order of rank were Janet Boggs, Debbie McClure, Terresa Mayhue, Paula Hallman, Debbie Sellers, Chris Beam, Doug Agner, Sheila Willis, Chris Wallace, Mickey Ray, Sid Stroupe, Chris Tweed and Carol Browne.  The long-awaited class rings arrived in March, and plans for our Junior-Senior prom were well underway.  "Gone With the Wind" was the selected theme.  It was held May 5, 1973.  Awards Day, 1973, brought honors to our class.  Chosen as Boy and Girl Staters were Doug Agner, Tommy Summer, Janet Boggs and Jan Harden Froneberger.  Carol Browne and Floy Smith were selected as summer trainees at Gaston Memorial Hospital.  Calvin Hastings attended the T.V. and Radio Institute at UNC-Chapel Hill.  The hardest two miles of our journey were quickly over.

     One hundred and thirty-eight rather anxious seniors returned to Cherryville High in August, 1973.  Little did we realize until we began that year that it would be the last mile of our journey.  We needed responsible leaders and chose Mitch Eaker, president; Chris Wallace, vice president; Martha Fisher, secretary; and Alan Sipe, treasurer.  Paula Hallman and Terresa Mayhue co-edited the yearbook, Chenoca, while Sid Stroupe and Vicki Cronan headed the school newspaper, Cherry Leaves.  Our last homecoming was very special to us.  Susie Parker was announced Homecoming Queen with Gloria Hope, Mary Upchurch, Debbie Eaker and Leslie Terres as attendants.  Pam Summer represented our class as sponsor.  Tommy Summer broke the CHS record for total offensive yards in football.  Optimist Youth Awards were presented to Calvin Hastings and Gloria Hope for their fine records in the school and community.  In January, 1974, 29 honor students were announced with Rhonda Beam as valdictorian and Janet Boggs as salutatorian.  Calvin Hastings served as Teen Correspondent to the Shelby Daily Star and Debbie Eaker was selected by the faculty as the DAR Good Citizen.

     We shall never enter the halls of Cherryville Senior High School as students again.  All we have left are memories, and may they ever live in our hearts throughout the future.