Sabine High School alumni celebrates 30th anniversary

by Lew Bush
This weekend, Aug. 14 -15 the National Alumni Association of Sabine High School will celebrate its 30th Anniversary, with a theme of “Reflections…in Black and White.”

As we assemble in Natchitoches for the two-day affair, most of the alumni in attendance will probably reflect upon some of the changes that have taken place in the past 30 years. In 1971, the two Sabine Parish schools (Sabine High and Many High) were integrated, and we (class of 1978) entered the fifth grade, as students of Many Junior High School.

The classes of 1978, 1979, 1980 and 1981 were fortunate enough to attend Sabine High School. The class of 1981 was the final class to walk the hallowed halls as students of Sabine High School, and ironically, were the first class to graduate from the “new” Many High School, located on Hwy. 6 East. And, the classes of 1979-81 were the first to attend the “brand new’ Many Elementary School.

Coincidentally, these four classes have/or will be celebrating 30 years as graduates of Many High School.

Several noteworthy achievements were attained by many graduates of Sabine High School. The school produced its share of medical doctors, lawyers, college professors, independent business owners, corporate businessmen, bankers, musicians and educators. The faculty can even boast of a professional football player (Charlie Joiner), a pro basketball player (Nicky Garner), and a professional singer, the late Tessie Brumfield.

One thing we can all attest to was that we were extremely proud of the education and life lessons that were instilled in us. We were taught the value of respect, friendship, loyalty, compassion, dedication and most of all—love.

We were taught that whatever we wanted in life, we had to earn it. Nobody was going to give you anything. Again, all these traits will be on display in Natchitoches and in Many.

Two years ago, this was evident from the class of 1981. Led by the foursome of Troy Coleman, Thurman Charles, Roy Mitchell and Clarence Brumfield, they donated over $250 to the alumni association to purchase door prizes and gifts that weekend. This was a huge contribution to the organization; but it was relatively small compared to the sacrifices made to accommodate one of their fellow classmates—Bruce Williams.

Williams suffered a mild stroke which left him paralyzed on one side of his body. His classmates did not shun him or cast him aside because of his disability. His female classmates also spent quality time with him. La Tonya Parson Wardlaw, Cindy Kay Matlock, Sandra Garner Payton and Alice Thompson each patiently waited as Bruce navigated his way to the dance floor to share a dance with him. All nine of these childhood friends left the dance with smiles beaming across their faces, because of the fun and fellowship they enjoyed with each other, and those in attendance that night. It was also the first time all of them had ever attended an alumni event. Needless to say, they contacted the remainder of their classmates to entice them to come and participate in the celebration this weekend.

Coleman has even bragged that they will have the largest class represented at the Saturday night affair. This is the type of love and compassion that should be shared among everyone, every two years we unite. It’s like a huge family reunion, even though we’re not all related.

So this year, let’s all set aside our differences, jealousies, and dislikes and come together and reminisce about the “good old days” at Sabine and Many High School. We only get this opportunity once, every two years. And tomorrow is not promised to any of us.

The history of Sabine High must be taught to our siblings and relatives; and it has to be preserved by those of us who reside in Many and Sabine Parish. Most importantly, we must not tarnish the image, the dignity, and the pride of “Dear Old Sabine High.”

I look forward to seeing all of you at the weekend family reunion.