By CINDY CROSBY
The Walterboro High School Class of 1971 celebrated their 50th reunion this past weekend in the best way possible – by giving back. The WHS Class of 1971 presented Colleton County High School with a $5,000 check during halftime of Friday evening’s Cougar Football game versus Beaufort High School to benefit five seniors in the Class of 2022.
“Because we, as a class, are dedicated to paying it forward and supporting young people in their educational endeavors as much as we can, it is with great pleasure we, the historic Walterboro High School Class of 1971, present this check of $5,000 toward scholarships for five graduating seniors in the Class of 2022,” said Jacqueline Harvey-Brown, Chairperson for the Historic Graduating Class of 1971’s 50th Reunion. The Class of 1971 raised money through membership donations and a scholarship raffle.
The WHS Class of 1971 was the first graduating class following the merger of Walterboro High School and Colleton High. “We were the first (all black) class of the Colleton High Wolverines to join the Walterboro High Wildcats during the desegregation of schools in 1971, merging to become the Bulldogs” said Harvey-Brown. “This was a challenging time for all because of the indelible experience at a very impressionable age, involving something important and idealistic, but we survived and we were strengthened and molded by the experience. We are grateful for the teachers, staff, parents, students and the community for supporting us during that difficult time.”
“Martin Luther King Jr. said ‘People fail to get along because they fear each other. They fear each other because they do not know each other. They do not know each other because they have not properly communicated with each other,’” said Harvey-Brown during Friday’s presentation.
“One of the most exciting parts of the reunion experience is the opportunity to give back to our alma mater,” said Harvey-Brown. “Over the years we have been able to collect funds to award scholarships to deserving students, and I am proud to stand with a number of my classmates on this football field this evening to present this check.”
