HISTORY OF ZEPHYRHILLS HIGH SCHOOL

Highlights of 1952

Principal was D.G. McPherson. Superintendent of Schools was Mark St. Clair.

Seniors Plan Class Night Program, School Newspaper-Bulldog Bulletin, May 23, 1952, by Shirley Lanham

Well, in exactly one week, on the Friday night of May 30, the Seniors will have what is known as “Class Night.” It will be held at 8:00 in the auditorium. This will be the first of the Seniors’ enjoyable evenings spent together before graduation.

On that night, Lois Greene will read the history of the class. This will include all the happenings form the time they were first graders up until now. Next. Barbara Smith will read the prophecy. This tells what each member will be doing in the future.

All of these things will be acted out by the members of the class. The editor of the annual, Bill McIntosh, and the associate editor, Barbara Smith, have written the sketch for that night.

The Last Will and Testament will be read by Kathryn Kersey and Joan Johnson, president.

Graduation Scheduled for June 3 by Joan Braden

After twelve years of hard work, the Senior Class of 1952 has finally arrived at the top of their climb through school. The final ceremony, Commencement, will be held in the Home Theater, June 3, at 8:00 p.m.

The Z.H.S. band will play “Pomp and Circumstance” for the processional and finally “War Mach of the Priests” for the recessional.

Reverend Hutchinson of the First Methodist Church will give the invocation. The theme of the program will be “Building a Free World.” The opening speech, “The Free World We Seek,” will be given by the Salutatorian, Barbara Smith. Other speeches, “Resources for Freedom,” “The Cornerstone for Peace,” and “youth and a Free World,” will be given by Senior Class Representatives, John Wasner and Lamar Herndon and the Junior Class President, Joan Johnson. Valedictorian, Caroline Jones will give her speech, “Faith In Our Goal.” Ushers were elected form the Junior Class.

High School Band Is Rated Superior-8 Zephyrhills Soloists Win Top Recognition, Zephyrhills News, March 21, 1952- price 5 cents

The Zephyrhills school band won a superior rating and eight soloists won recognition in the District contest of the Bandmaster’s association held Friday at St. Petersburg.

The band, one of 24 entered in the district festival qualified for state competition by scoring in the district festival. It was one of the 10 bands in the contest to qualify.

Bands were rated in three categories: superior, excellent and good. Those scoring the superior ratings will be entered in the state contest to be held in Tampa, May 1, 2, 3.

Individual and group entries in the solo and ensemble contests were rated in on the same basis.

Zephyrhills News, July 30, 1977

Another enjoyable and successful Zephyrhills High School Alumni and Friends Reunion was held at the Zephyr Park Community Center.  

….. The Silver (25th) anniversary Class of 1952 was represented by Mrs. Emerson (Joan Johnson) Arnot of Zephyrhills and Mrs. John (Jeanne McGavern) Johnson of St. Petersburg. Mrs. Johnson is married to Mrs. Arnot’s brother. There were 36 members of the graduating class of 1952.

Class of 1952…Today, Zephyrhills News, June 15, 1972

Class of 1952 TODAY—Fourteen members of the 35-member Class of 1952 at Zephyrhills High School enjoyed their 20th reunion at Florida Power Home Service Saturday night, and posed for this group picture. The girls present, seated from left are: Mrs. Anne (Hosmer) Tipton of Dade city; Mrs. J.J. (Pat Edwards) McCarthy of Butler, Pennsylvania; Mrs. Walter (Shirley Leeson) Padgett of Zephyrhills; Mrs. Rollie (Margaret Cooper) Wells of Zephyrhills; Mrs. W.A. (Flora Barrentine) Williams of Zephyrhills; Mrs. John (Jean McGavern) Johnson of St. Petersburg; and Mrs. Emerson (Joan Johnson) Arnot of Zephyrhills. The men from left are: John Wasner of Ft. Lauderdale; J.W. Jones of Plant City; David Sullivan of Springfield, Illinois; William McIntosh of New York City; Larry Rickard of Zephyrhills; Williams Richards of Clarcona; John B. Forbis of Freeport; Grant Bahamas; and John F.Clements who was faculty advisor for the Class of 52 “way back then.”  Also present but not pictured was Mrs. James F. (Carolyn Jones) Barringer of Tallahassee.

Two of the graduates flew to Zephyrhills for the reunion in their personal planes, David Sullivan from Springfield, Illinois; and John Forbis from Freeport, Grand Bahamas.

A 12-page souvenir book containing the names and known addresses of all 35 graduates was prepared by Mr. and Mrs. Johnson and distributed at the reunion.

HS Play Goes On Tonight–Curtain to Part at 8 for Junior Production, Zephyrhills News, Friday March 21, 1952—price 5 cents

Tonight, March 21, the Junior class will present their annual class play at the high school auditorium.

This year’s production is “Henry’s Hired Aunt,” a comedy in three acts. The curtains will part on the play at 8 o’clock. Admission is 60 cents for adults, 35 cents for children. Reserve seats sell for 75 cents.

The cast, which is headed by Patricia Trebour and Bill Sabin who handle the title roles, include: Jim Welsch, Jean Braden, Pat McGavern, Roger Whitworth, Marlene Nelson, Margaret Hill, Mary Kate Witt, Tobey Smith, Mary Lou Richards, and Joan Myers.

Prompters are Patty Smith and Ginger Sawtelle and stage managers are Ray Geiger and Dave Vestal. The play is under the direction of Miss Matilda Clement.

Working with the cast to help put the play across are the all-important play committees handling the ticket sales are Neva Wilson, Ginger Sawtelle, Hazel Dukes, Wanda Williams. Advertising has been arranged by Patty Smith, Joan Braden and Lydall Wheeler. The program was in charge of Margaret Hill and Joan Braden. The casting committee: Mary Kate Witt, David Vestal, Mary Lou Richards, Peggy Smith. Ushers for tonight’s production are Margie Wilkinson, Barbara Smith, Kathryn Kersey, Julia Belle Pracher, Wilmer Wethington, and Bill McIntosh. Music between acts will be furnished by Wanda Williams and Jeanne McGavern.

Teachers Listed For New Term, Zephyrhills News, August 8, 1952

Many New Faces are Among Faculty

D.G. McPherson, principal of the local schools, has announced a list of the teachers under contract for the new school year which gets underway with the pre-school planning sessions Wednesday. The opening day of school has been set for Tuesday, September 2.

Several new faces will be among this year’s faculty, replacing those who have left the teaching profession, preferred to teach elsewhere or have dropped out for other reasons. At least one familiar face, which was missing last year, will be among the group—that of David C. (Happy) Clark. Two vacancies still have to be filled—a teacher for the fifth grade and one for the sixth.

The elementary teachers and the grades they will teach are Miss Lois Johnson and Mrs. Esther Austin, first; Mrs. Helen Hamilton and Mrs. Pauline Higginson, second; Mrs. Mabel Campbell, Mrs.Viola Gall and Miss Florence Scheer, third; Mrs. Isabell Barnes, Mrs. Willie Mae Ellmaker, fourth; Miss Jane Maxwell, fifth; Mrs. Hattie Jean Price, sixth; and Miss Alice White, elementary physical education.

The high school faculty and the subjects they will teach are John F. Clements, coach, boy’s physical education and American History; David C. Clark, assistant coach and senior high social studies (continued on page 8).

Hap Clark, Teacher, Politician Dies at 85, Tampa Tribune, December 30, 2007

David “Hap” Clark Jr., a member of one of Pasco County’s oldest families who devoted his life to public service died of Parkinson’s disease December 23. He was 85. Clark was a teacher, principal and football coach with Pasco Public schools before becoming active in local politics after his 1979 retirement.

He was elected in 1992 to the Pasco County Commission, where he served for eight years. His grandfather, James W. Clark, came here in 1880 from Brooksville as part of an early wave of homesteaders. His father also served as a county commissioner.

[Clark came to ZHS in 1952. He was assistant coach for many years with Johnny Clements at ZHS.]

Bulldogs Win 8th Straight: Beat Gulf 8-5; 6 Shut Out St. Leo 15-0, By Skip Riley, Zephyrhills News, April 25, 1952

Zephyrhills high school moved into undisputed position of first place in the West Coast conference after Inverness, previously the top team lost to Wildwood this week. In the play-offs schedule for next Tuesday, Thursday and Friday the Bulldogs drew a bye in the first day’s schedule, will meet the winner of the New Port Richey-Crystal River contest on Thursday.

Tuesday afternoon in New Port Richey the local high school nine defeated the Buccaneers. It was the eight game in a row in which the Zephyrhills boys have come out victorious.

Robert Jones led the home town bunch in hitting. He slammed out two doubles and a single. J.D. Locke followed with two for three. Big Ray Geiger whammed two singles. J.D. Locke racked up his sixth win of the season. Locke had a one hit shut out up to the fourth inning, but the ice broke! During the last two frames “Jay” was pretty well hit. In fact seven times. His strike-outs were high with twelve. Today (Friday) the locals will play at St. Leo. Bobby Fullwood (2-1) is slated to toe the mound.

Player Position   AB   H   R

Thomas, 2b   4   1   1

Fullwood, ss   3   0   1

Whitworth, cf   3   0   2

Geiger, 3b   4   2   1

Locke, p   3   2   1

Jones, rc   4   3   2

Riley, c   3   0   0

Cherry, H 1b   3   2   0

Kersey, 1f   3   0   0

Davis, 1f   1   0   0

   31   10   8

Locke Twists Lion’s Tail

“Bullet” Locke was at it again on Thursday, April 17th. He mowed St. Leo down and left them sitting in the dust. Jay fanned nine Lions and only allowed two hits.

Big Ray Geiger, the local’s clean up man was the leading hitter. In the fifth Ray smashed a tremendous four-bagger. The next inning he singled to give him two for three. Hap Cherry and Robert Jones each hit two softies.

The Lion’s pitcher, Larry Doyle who is supposed to be one of the finest high school pitchers in the state, took quite a bit of punishment in the few frames he pitched. Doyle was credited with the loss. Only one of the Lion’s three mounds men could find the plate. All together the locals collected fourteen walks

PLAYER POSITION   AB   H   R

Fullwood, ss   2   1   2

Thomas, 2b   3   1   2

Whitworth, cf   4   0   1

Geiger, 3b   3   2   2

Locke, p   4   2   2

Jones, rf   3   2   2

Riley, c   1   0   2

Cherry, H 1b   3   2   1

Kersey, 1f   3   1   1

a. Pricher, 2b   1   0   0

b. Davis, rf   1   0   0

c. Cherry, F. 1f   0   0   0

   28   11   15

PLAYER POSITION   AB   H   R   Pct

Sapp, cf   1   1   1   1.000

Cherry, lf   1   1   2   1.000

Locke, P 1b, 2b,    28   17   14   .586

Geiger, 3b   24   10   11   .417

Jones, rf   24   10   10   .417

Thomas ss 2b, 3b   22   8   19   .359

Davis 2b, 1f   9   3   3   .333

Cherry, H 1b, rf   30   9   6   .300

Fullwood, ss   25   7   12   .260

Riley, c   28   7   7   .250

Kinsey, 1f   24   5   4   .209

Whitworth cf   31   5   14   .161

Nesbit 2b   2   0   1   .000

Braden 1f   5   0   0   .000

Pricher 2b   4   0   0   .000

   259   83   102   .320

Mrs. Paul Braden Elected 1952-53 P.T. A. President, Zephyrhills News, April 25, 1952

At the regular meeting of the PTA Thursday, April 17 at the school auditorium the following officers for the 19562-53 year was nominated and elected, Mrs. Paul Braden, president; Mrs. Ruby Brown, first vice president; Mrs. Helene Pasquin, secretary; Mrs. Ernie Trebour, treasurer; Mrs. Robert Brown, historian; Mrs. W. Trottman, parliamentarian. Those serving on the nominating committee were Mrs. Modesta Hart, Mrs. Inez Jones, Mrs. Hazel Gill. The meeting was called to order with president Matthews presiding. Minutes were read and approved. Reports of various committees were given.

Dr. Wilkinson, guest speaker, gave an interesting informal talk on arthritis, food processing, vitamins, immunization and hook works, followed by answering questions from among the parents on subjects that were most interested in on health.

The G.A.A. girls under the direction of Miss Britton gave an exhibition in square dancing and stunts. There cannot be enough praise for the way these girls presented stunts which showed their timing, coordination, and gracefulness made the most difficulty fetes performed an achievement of grace and beauty. Mrs. Marjorie Parantha announced the PTA study course, “Building Personality” would start Tuesday night, April 29th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the school. Mrs. Kaylor’s and Mrs. Campbell’s rooms won the room county. Delicious refreshments were served at the close of the meeting.

ZH Band is Rated Superior, Zephyrhills News, March 21, 1952

8 Zephyrhills soloists Win Top Recognition

The Zephyrhills school band won a superior rating and eight soloists won recognition in the District contest of the Bandmaster’s association held Friday at St. Petersburg.

The band, one of 24 entered in the district festival, qualified for state competition by scoring the superior rating. It was one of the 10 bands in the contest to qualify.

Bands were rated in three categories: superior, excellent and good. These scoring the superior ratings will be entered in the state contest in Tampa May 1, 2, and 3.

Individual and group entries in solo and ensemble contests were rated on the same basis as bands. Those from Zephyrhills who won recognition were: Bunnie Sue Sibley, Oboe, excellent; J.D. Locke, clarinet, superior; Flute trio, excellent; Johnny Gore, tenor sax, superior; Wanda Williams, sax, superior; Bunnie Sue Sibley, piano, excellent; Mary Kate Witt, baritone, excellent; Yvonne Cooper, French horn, superior; Bill Johnson, trombone, superior.

The Zephyrhills band competed in the Class CC division with Tarpon Springs who was also judged superior, Largo Hill, superior; Haines City, High superior, Osceola High of Kissimmee, superior.

HS Play Goes On Tonight, Zephyrhills News, March 21, 1952

Curtain to Part at 8 For Junior Production

Tonight, March 21, the junior class swill present their annual class play at the high school auditorium.

This year’s production is “Henry’s Hired Aunt,” a comedy in three acts. The curtains will part on the play at 8 o’clock.

Admission is 60 cents for adults, 35 cents for children. Reserve seats sell for 75 cents. The case is headed by Patricia Trebour and Bill Sabin who handle the title roles, include Jim Welsch, Jean Braden, Pat McGavern, Roger Whitworth, Merlene Nelson, Margaret Hill, Mary Kate Witt, Tobey Smith, Mary Lou Richards and Joan Myers.

Prompters are Patty Smith and Ginger Sawtelle and state managers are Ray Geiger and Dave Vestal. The play is under the direction of Miss Matilda Clement.

Working with the cast to help put the play across are the important play committees handling the ticket sales are Neva Wilson, Ginger Sawtelle, Hazel Dukes, Wanda Williams. Advertising has been arranged by Patty Smith, Joan Braden and Lyndall Wheeler.

The program was in charge of Margaret Hill and Joan Braden. The casting committee: Mary Kate Witt, David Vestal, Mary Lour Richards, Peggy Smith.

Ushers for tonight’s production are: Margie Wilkinson, Barbara Smith, Kathryn Kersey, Julia Bell Pracher, Wilmer Wetherington, and Bill McIntosh. Music between acts will be furnished by Wanda Williams and Jeanne McGavern.

On Apr. 17, 1952, these teachers were appointed to the Zephyrhills school: Mrs. Celia Anderson, John Clements, Mrs. Constance Kaylor, Mrs. Mack H. Matthews, David Clark, Mrs. Frances Kelly, Mrs. Helen Hamilton, Mrs. Pauline Higginson, Mrs. Vianna Gall, Mrs. Isabel Barnes, Miss Jane Maxwell, Mrs. Hettie Jane Price, John T. V. Clark, Mrs. Alpha Gill, Terry Kirton, Mrs. Marjorie Parantha, Mrs. Rosemary Trottman, Miss Jane Lee Evans, Miss Lots Johnson, Mrs. Esther Austin, Mrs. Mabel Campbell, Mrs. Willie Mae Ellmaker, Mrs. Modesta Hart, Mrs. Eva Zarth.