Central School

1912 First Grade:

1923-1924:

1929 Second Grade:

1930 Fourth Grade:

1935 Fourth Grade:

Article published in the Cherokee Chronicle, 30 Apr 1998

After 100 years of service....
Central to say Goodbye

Cherokee County's oldest and arguably it's most historically-significant school will officially close its doors after a century of service this Sunday afternoon.

And even though Central Elementary will continue to serve students until the end of the current school year, the closing program, titled "100 Magical Years", will be held at the school cafetorium Sunday at 2pm. When school opens this Fall, Central will consolidate with Limestone Elementary into one new school on Pacolet Highway and the current Central site, which has housed students since 1898, is scheduled to become the district offices after some renovation.

Several of the school's alumni will be featured on the program, including the keynote speaker, Lt Gov Bob Peeler. Other alumni, including former Lt Governor Mike Daniel, former Congressman Ken Holland, and others, will also be in attendance. Another school alum, internationally-known actress and model Andie MacDowell, is not expected to attend.

During the "Remembering the Past" segment, seven Central alums will speak briefly about their days at Central: Jim Cudd, Carol Mabry, Julia Fowler, Dr Todd Morgan, Harold McCluney, Anna Dukes and Lawson Clary. Recognition of principals Billy Elmore and Alfred McGaha will be done by teacher Mrs Joyce Childers and special music will be provided by the Central Players.

An art presentation will be made by Mr McGaha and Mrs Billie Taylor and a Brick Memorial Garden for the new school will be explained by Mrs Paul Rhoden. The final brief segment on the program will be a audio-visual "Tribute to Central" by alumni Tommy Martin and Richard Porter.

All former students, teachers and friends of Central are invited to attend the program. Classrooms throughout the school will be wired with closed-circuit TV and will accommodate all runover visitors who cannot find a seat in the cafetorium.

A reception will follow in the main lobby of the school.

Another Cherokee County elementary school that is being phased out through consolidation, J Paul Beam, has scheduled its official closing ceremony on Friday, May 15, at 9am, at the school. Former students, teachers and friends are also invited to that program.

Macedonia Elementary has already held its closing ceremony at Macedonia Baptist Church.