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Seventy-five years ago, forty-two seniors graduated from Franklin High School.  Commencement exercises were held on June 4 and 5, 1950. The baccalaureate services were held on Sunday, June 4, in the Franklin High School Auditorium.  The Rev. W. A. Grissom of the Franklin Congregational Christian Church delivered the address, “Passing the Baton”.  The Rev. Elmer N. Hassell of the High Street United Methodist Church assisted him.  Special music was provided by the high school glee club, under the direction of Miss Elizabeth Dunn. 

Class Day exercises were held on Monday in the auditorium. During those exercises, a skit presenting the class’s history and prophecy was given. 

The final exercises were held on Monday night, June 5.  The theme of the program was “The Turn of the Half-Century”.  Tad Darden, class president, presided and gave the welcome address.  Other speakers were: Iris Lankford, on social changes; William J. Benton, on political development; Irene Lankford, on scientific advancements; and George Barron, on economic progress.

Franklin High School principal Floyd H. Christopher led the graduation ceremonies.  The invocation was given by Rev. J. S. Maxey and the benediction by Rev. Randolph Gregory of the Franklin Baptist Church.  Miss Elizabeth Dunn directed the glee club in a series of songs.  Mr. Chistopher conducted a roll call during which he awarded diplomas to the following graduating seniors:  Barbara Atkins, George Barron, John A. Beaton Jr., William J. Benton, Judith Bradshaw, Beverly Browne, Jimmy Bryant, Truman Bryant, Tommy Caldwell, Jewell Cavin, Franklin Cooke, Marilyn Councill, Bernice Cutchins, Mary Dansey, Tad Darden, Nell Daughtrey, Joyce Davis, Elaine Doughty, C. M. Drewry Jr., Lois Drewry, Cecil Edwards, Ellen Gilmore, Eppa Gray, Elizabeth Howell, J. E. Howell, Carrie Lee Joyner, Edwin Joyner, U. P. Joyner, Ella Mae King, Audrey Lankford, Irene Lankford, Iris Lankford, Peggy Lassiter, Susan Pace, Stuart Peace, Patricia Pomeroy, George E. Pillow Jr., Jean Rhodes, Bruce Rose, Dorothy Tyree, Mary Page Wade, and Virginia D. Wellons.

Iris Lankford was the valedictorian, and William J. Benton was the salutatorian.  Class officers were Tad Darden, president; Beverly Browne, vice president; Barbara Atkins, secretary; and Irene Lankford, treasurer.  Lillian Stables was the class sponsor. 

FACULTY:  Robbie Claud, Library and History; Mary Owen Cobb, Home Economics; Mary Davis, Commercial; Bessie Dillon, Latin, History and Mathematics; Winnie Frances Eubank, History and French; Elizabeth Evans, English; R. C. Figg, Shop; Elizabeth Gordon, Mathematics; W. E. Harding, Physical Education; John D. Pond, Science; and Lillian Stables, English and Biology. 

Peggy Newsome was the office secretary.     

NOTE: Joyce Davis, a 1950 Franklin High School graduate, contributed to this article.

CLYDE PARKER is a retired human resources manager for the former Franklin Equipment Co. and a member of the Southampton County Historical Society. His email address is magnolia101@charter.net.