Date:
3/9/2007 12:46:24 AM
Subject:
SPHS "Save our school"
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I will mail a petition signed by me tomorrow as I
would prefer that the school be repaired/updated and saved especially since it
is a historic building. I realize that many parents today want their
children to attend a "new" school and I have seen many schools that cost vast
amounts of money. However, I recently drove through the South Park/Lamar
area and it does not appear that the homes and the tax valuation on the
properties there would support much money toward a "new" school. Further,
since the SP High School building was originally the old Lamar Jr. College;
perhaps, they would be willing to help and/or cooperate with the repairs and
renovations needed.
I attended South Park Elementary (before it was
named Pietzsch) from Mrs. Sealy's first grade class to the middle of the 4th
grade as my parents moved to Amelia. For the 6th & 7th grades, I went
to school in High Island. After that I moved back to Amelia to finish the
9th grade. My parents divorced that year and I moved around between them
and my grandparents; therefore, I did not attend enough school to get enough
days for any credits and lost a full year. I went to Missouri City High
School (Houston surburb) for what was supposed to be my Sophomore year and I
passed all the classes and was on the honor roll. The next year I moved
back to my grandparents and I wanted to stay with them in Amelia to
graduate at SPHS. I took summer school classes each year and even
took a couple of correspondence courses from the University of Texas to
try to graduate with my class.
My last year at SPHS was as a junior; however, I
graduated in early September and entered Lamar on Sept. 17th with many of
my SP classmates. I loved school at
South Park and the band and even the long hot bus rides every day. Since I
was in Amelia, I happened to be the first one on the bus and the last one off in
the evenings. Made me one tired student at the time I arrived home
but then I had homework. I doubt if long bus rides are any better now than
they were then as I doubt many school buses are air-conditioned nor do many have
seat belts.
I have made some phone calls to some of my
classmates (300 graduated in 1958) and most do not live there now. Many
from that class are deceased and of those living many are in Houston or have
retired to the hill country. I will do whatever I can to get the word
out. Keep up the good work. We appreciate your
efforts.
Gerry Hodges
Hackley, Class of 1958