Cerro Gordo High School Graduation, 1949

Published in the Whiteville Reporter, June 6, 1949

Beatryce Godwin Is Valdictorian and Virginia Strickland is Salutatorian; 16 Graduated

CERRO GORDO--Dr. Frank H. Jeter of State College, Raleigh, addressed the graduating class of Cerro Gordo High School here Friday evening as diplomas were presented to 16 boys and girls.

Special music for the occasion was furnished by the local band and Glee Club.

President Beatryce Godwin presented the class gift—a donation to the stage curtain fund—to the school.

Nine of the 16 graduates were awarded the gold seal of the National Beta Club.

Class night exercises were held Thursday evening. The seniors marched into the auditorium led by Mascots Julia Nance and Layton Harrelson. They received friendship chairs from the junior class, which sang a song of presentation. This was followed by a song of acceptance.

The exercises were presented in the form of a park reunion in 1959. Virginia Strickland gave the salutatory. Other highlights of the program were: prophecy, Rosalyn Worley; history, class progress of the school, Mable Purvis; class poem, Vivian Hammond; last will and testament, Elizabeth H. Floyd; and giftorian, Nellie May Strickland. The program was concluded with the valedictory address by Beatryce Godwin.

The following medals were presented by Principal J.C. Whedbee Jr.: valedictorian, Beatryce Godwin; salutatorian, Virginia Strickland; best all-around boy, Hybert Williamson; best all-around girl, Vivian Hammond; boy athlete, Edgar Hammond; girl athlete, Elizabeth H. Floyd; and leadership, Ethelle Strickland.