Dear Class of '67 Classmates,

I hope this newsletter finds each of you doing well.   I usually get this out in October.    So as you can see I am behind schedule.   Jane and I have been on grandparent duty for a couple of weeks and I have also gone back to work part time.   We are going to try something new this year and distribute this newsletter by email as much as possible.  This will not only save some money but will allow me to share more info.    I hope your email is not over loaded and this doesn't get lost in your in basket.    Your feed back is welcomed and encouraged.

Our Scholarship Foundation is growing!   There were 3 scholarships awarded this year.    The class of '67 $1,000 scholarship winner is Elizabeth Jenkins.   Elizabeth was very active at Central.   She was a cheerleader, on the undefeated Scholarship Bowl team, President of the Ruri Teen Club, played varsity soccer and earned an Associate Degree before graduating.   She is attending West Virginia University and pursuing a pre-pharmacy degree.   Our scholarship was given in memory of Phyllis Stables Williams Briel, Joyce Wadford Dalton and Donald Rickman.    The class of '88 $1,000 scholarship winner is Ryan Hare.   Ryan was a member of the National Honor Society, Senior Class President, played soccer for 4 years and golf for 1.  He received the VHSL Academic award for 2 years for straight A's.  His senior year Ryan was enrolled in the High Performance Technology Program at SVCC in South Hill.   Currently Ryan is enrolled Danville Community College pursuing an associate degree in engineering and plans to transfer to either VA Tech or NC State.   The class of '89 awarded their 1st $500 scholarship to Jeffery Williams.   Jeffery is attending Southside Virginia Community College and will be pursuing studies in Forestry and Firefighting.   He currently works as a volunteer with the Victoria Fire and Rescue.   Jeffery has the obstacle of overcoming a condition called Radial Dysplasia which is the absence of the radius bone in both his arms.    Jeffery is also the son of '89 classmate, Beth Forbes Williams.   Their scholarship was given in memory of classmate Omar Ramon Harvin who passed away in 1995.   The Foundation has now awarded over $10,000 in scholarships!    I would like to thank the class of '88 major contacts Scott Wingfield and Chris Bailey and the class of '89 major contacts Venassia Gunter and Yolanda Fowlkers for their assistance.   Their leadership has played a big role in setting up their scholarships.     

We started nine years ago and continue to generate more interest.    Last year we held a cookout at the first home football game.  This year at Central's homecoming game on Oct 7th, we held a alumni registration and provided brochures about the Foundation.   We had a PA announcement about the Foundation at the end of the 1st quarter of the game.   Our primary objective was to increase the awareness of the Foundation.   Now there are others that want to join in our efforts particularly the class of '91.   

Tom Palmore at the county school board office has submitted information about our Scholarship Foundation to the Virginia School Board Association in Charlottesville.  I called the state office and spoke with a Samantha Staebell.    They want to put together a listing with references of high schools in the state that have associated Foundations and Endowment Programs.   They hope this will be a resource to assist and help others schools grow their programs.      

It is time for our annual campaign drive for our scholarship fund.  Send checks to Gene Hart at 2570 Sandy Lane, Victoria, VA 23974.  Make checks out to C of L Alumni Scholarship Foundation.  Put for the Class of 1967 scholarship.   Thank you for your financial support...   We would like to sponsor a general fund raising activity or event to be shared by all the classes that offer a scholarship.   We have yet to come up with something that will not only increase awareness and also raise $'s.   I would appreciate any suggestions you may have.    

Treasure report:  Our Van Guard Windors account is valued at $8409 and we have a little over $2400 in our checking account.     

In other Foundation news Margaret, Woody, Hornbeck has rotated off the Foundation board and Louie Love is our new board member.    Thanks to Woody for her help and suggestions over the years.   Louie brings his knowledge of endowments from his work at Richmond University.   Our plans are still to form an endowment for each class whereby our scholarships will continue to be offered after we are all dead and gone.  

Woody is our key person to help organize our class reunions.   Her team is considering holding our 45th year class reunion during Central's Homecoming weekend in Oct 2012.    Nancy and Chippie Chappell are looking forward to hosting our event.    You will be getting more news about our reunion.  

I am sorry to report we have lost another classmate.   Paul Cabaniss recently passed away.

Time for news from Central's principal Sarah Nicholas.

Year Enrollment Seniors

2003 602 no data

2004 600 no data

2005 575 no data

2006 548 112

2007 535 124

2008 500 125

2009 478 116

2010 485 119

2011 462 104

School started August 15th for the students, the earliest ever. There are 5 new teachers - Spanish 1, English 12, Math, Chorus, and JROTC. Central has incorporated a 23 minute "Activity Period" this year to further mentor and connect with the students as well as tutor and reinforce class work. Central will increase the number of students graduating with Associate Degrees and pursuing Advanced Diplomas. Increasing and improving parent and student involvement in the educational process is Central's primary goal this year. Sarah wants to increase the graduation rate and lower our dropout. There is no longer obvious "gang activities". Two years ago there was some related problems. Students now seem happy and for the most part relatively well- behaved. Having them recognize and appreciate the importance of education is our challenge and our focus. Central's sport teams continue to shine in the James River District. Central has worked to increase the participation and team spirit. The Charger football team has completed the regular season 6-3 with wins over Campbell, Chatham, Bluestone, Nottaway (BIG WIN!!!) and Randolph-Henry and losses to Goochland, Amelia and Buckingham. Central won their first playoff game against Colonial Beach 63- 24 and will play Northumberland next. Students that scored a perfect 600 on the SOL test last year were recognized at the September School Board meeting. Sarah Nicholas finished her comments by saying "We are proud to be Central Charges and appreciate the support of all our alumni".

As I close I would like to thank each of you for your thoughts, prayers and donations.    I hope this newsletter brings back a time when you walled the halls at Central.      As I said earlier I would like your feedback.    May the blessings of the holiday season bring you warm memories.

                  Your classmate,

                      Al Vaughan