Anniversary celebration set for May 20 at Central

Published 3:24 pm Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Taking the name of a student newspaper from the past — Down Central’s Corridors — Central High School (CHS) of Lunenburg will celebrate the anniversary of its 50th academic year on Saturday, May 20, from noon-4 p.m.  According to a press release, “former students and community members are invited to visit the school to see for themselves the pride that has been taken to maintain the original building and grounds, as well as the additions that have been completed since the high school first opened its doors in September of 1966. The school will be open to the public and admission is free.”

Organizers say guided tours of the facility will take place throughout the afternoon. “Along the corridors, visitors will enjoy exhibits of 50 years of personal memorabilia, photographs, school uniforms and vintage attire. In addition to these exhibits, the library will be open for attendees to view annuals and scrapbooks. Refreshments will be served in the cafeteria.”

“The person who is most responsible for bringing this special event together is the president of the Class of 2017, Jonathan Clarke, of Victoria,” organizers said in the release. “Jonathan has chosen this anniversary celebration as his senior project at the high school. Senior projects are an option for all seniors for which they can receive one credit. Students must submit an application to the principal for approval before moving ahead with their plans. A final report must be approved by the principal following the project’s completion in order to receive credit.”

“This will be a wonderful program, and I would love to have your participation in this historic event and reunion cherishing our beloved Central High School,” Clarke said in a press release.

Clarke has worked with the Victoria High School Preservation Foundation, as well as with businesses in Victoria and in Farmville, to create amazing displays, organizers said in the release. “His exhibit for Central High School’s 50th anniversary promises to be outstanding as well. However, he needs the help of former students to make the exhibit a reality.”

Clarke is calling on all Central High School alumni to lend items relating “to their school experience for inclusion in this exhibit — school uniforms, prom attire, other items of clothing, photographs or other personal mementos of the past. During school hours, items may to be brought to CHS office personnel Edith Glidewell or Holly Bailey.”

Clarke can be reached at jonathan.clarke@k12lcps.org to arrange for pick-up. Items can also be mailed to Clarke’s attention at Central High School, 131 KV Road, Victoria, VA 23974.   

Those with questions should call the school at (434) 696-2137. Note that the school will be closed from April 10-14 for spring break.

Clarke “would like to have in hand all items for the exhibit by Monday, April 17. Items will be carefully cataloged and stored. While at the school, items will be kept under lock and key under the supervision of the principal John Long. Jonathan will see that Items are returned to the owners by Sunday, May 28.”

Additional announcements about Central’s 50th anniversary event can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chslunenburg50. “If you are a Facebook member, you are encouraged to like the page in order to receive updates in your news feed. You can also find information on the website for Lunenburg County Schools (at) http://lunenburgcountyschools.org/centralhigh.htm,” officials said in the release.”