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    Through the years of my teaching caeer, I witnessed many changes in the educational system of Lepanto.  In the early days, or school enrollment was almost twice what it is today, yet we had less than half of the physical facilities now available to the staff and students. The course offerings are now about double what they were then, and graduation requirements are more stringent.  The size of our faculty has more than doubled with a corresponding reduction in class size.  In 1986, the Lepanto schools consolidated with the Tyronza system to form the East Poinsett County School system.

     The Lepanto school system has had its share of problems such as lack of money, declining enrollment, complex govement guidelines, and the changes in social attitudes of young people, but it survived and has maintained a standard of excellence that is very commendable.  I attribute much of this sucess to the able leadership of adminstrations and faculities, but most of all to the wholesome community involvement.  I shall never forget the PTA that was so eneretic and vital when I first cam to Lepanto.  These people are no longer active on the educational scene. but their boundless influence has continued through the years.

     I retired from education in 1993, after 41 years of teaching.  I do not know if that is a record tenure for the local school, but I would say that it is close.  Except for one year while was at the University of Virginia to receive my Master's degree, I have lived continuously in Lepanto since my arival in 1951.
    In my years as a teacher here, I saw over 1200 students graduate.  It is with a great deal of pride that I see many of them assume roles of leadership in their respective communities.  I attend numerous class reunions, and I have always left these gatherings with a feeling of great satisfaction to have heard the testimonies of alumni concerning the influence that the school and community have had in their lives.

     Apart from my school involvement, one of my most memorable experiences in Lepanto has  been my association with the United Methodist Church as organist-choir director.  This has been a source of great joy to me.

     There are many thoughts that I would like to relate, but time and space will not permit.  However, I would like to add this personal note:  This may be the best opportunity I ever have to express my appreciation to the students of Lepanto High School and citizens of Lepanto for their kind reception of me in the community--a reception that has lasted for fifty years!
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