Whoop de do, la di da, and happy halloween; who would have thunk it.
Certainly not me.
Laurence Manning Academy, (LMA) turns 50 years old this year. Has it been that long. Heck, I have been out going on 43 years. Now mind you, I didn’t necessarily like school coming up, but I can’t think of anywhere I would have liked to have been more.
But before I stroll down memory lane I want to do this.
First:
Mrs. Scott Jackson III, (Jenifer) you did a MARVELOUS JOB. I don’t think I have every seen as many people at the “Swamp” as I did last Friday night; the whole weekend actually. You did great. Everybody said so. Thanks from me and a thousand others.
(Maybe a stretch, but sounds good)
Secondly:
Thanks to the Bank of Greeleyville for their assistance. Take it from a proud Alum, we really appreciate it. It would have been hard to have pulled it off without you.
Friday night, the first thing I encountered as I walked in was the tailgate area that was divided into classes.That was cool. I perused the whole area speaking to people I had not seen in “years”. That was truly surreal.
I saw people that graduated in 1972 and those that graduated last year (2022). I actually have one of those grads. working for me now.
I was in the first 5th grade class there.
The night continued with different festivities . They had already done some of them when I got there. One of these special events was Mr Leroy Phillips, the only living original board member did the coin toss.
We were working out of town and that was the reason I missed the ceremonies. I heard it was nice though.
Another interesting slant on the festivities, was that the previous Homecoming Queens preceded the actual current Homecoming court.
That was cool.
It was also “great” that
LMA came back and beat Augusta Christian after being down at half.
I love it.
I just couldn’t help but walk across that campus and my memory was in hyper drive. I quickly thought back on toting large Coca Cola (glass) watering flowers for our headmaster Curtis Lee.
I remember the first football field was actually where the football entrance and where the weight room actually is now.
I remember the pains of loss and the euphoria of state championships.
I remember the heartbreak and somberness of losing classmates.
I was a senior when the school “suspiciously” burned. I could go on and on but I only have so much space to write in.
The festivities didn’t stop that night.
We had an Alumni flag football game Saturday.
4 teams playing a round robin tournament. That was a blast.
We have actually had several Alumni games over the years but this was the first “flag style” game. That was really fun. It always feels good to get back on the field no matter the reason. I consider that hallowed ground.
We only had three injuries; a high ankle sprain, a broke toe, and I can’t wear a hat right now because my old bald head got sunburned. That’s a casualty of an old birth certificate.
And last, but not least, we had a social at PortaJacks Saturday night. Great food, great people, and just a good ole time all the way around. I truly enjoyed myself.
I must say that was an extremely enjoyable weekend. I can’t wait for the next 50 year reunion. (Haha)
Word has it though there are more festivities coming up. Keep your ears open for details. I think this coming Jan 21st, there will be an Alumni basketball game (boys and girls) and some time in February a possible baseball and softball game have been slated as well. We will let you know.
Before I close and the arthritis in my hands finally says it’s had enough, I want to recognize two people that are woven deeply in the fabric of LMA.
One I saw Friday and Saturday night; one is no longer with us.
I saw Bubba Davis at the game and at the social Saturday night and he is till the card and the caring man I remember. I have known him more years than I haven’t and I am blessed to be able to call him my friend. He is a special person.
Last but certainly not least, Ms Jane Wilson. It is hard for me to imagine a day at LMA and not see her big smile and experience her crazy wit. I don’t know anyone that could have loved the students more than she did. But her big personality lives on in her children and they have so many of her crazy “quirks” (good quirks) just like her. I saw all of her children through the weekend and I know she (Ms.Jane) was there with us.
For those of you that has read my offerings before know I like the “take aways” and the takeaway here is “kinship.” This weekend proved to me once a Swampcat always a Swampcat.
I am a proud 1980 graduate.
