It is the 100th anniversary of Charleston School as a public educational facility.
And the community is invited to partake — irrespective of one’s own alma mater. Regardless of whether a Bradley County resident’s diploma says Charleston School, Bradley Central High School, Cleveland High School, Walker Valley High School or another, everyone is invited to share in the festivities.
The giant north Bradley County party is being put together by members of the Charleston-Calhoun-Hiwassee Historical Society and the Charleston Alumni Committee. Their months of work are assuredly being noticed, and are greatly appreciated, because a huge throng of area residents whose lives were impacted by the school will be in attendance.
The two-day celebration actually kicks off Friday night with a handful of alumni basketball games whose players are being determined by years played at Charleston School. Games are being planned for women and men.
Opening ceremonies will be held Saturday at Charleston City Park beginning at 10 a.m.
We offer this advice. Don’t be late!
Throughout the day, a variety of activities will be held at the park and at the school, according to information provided to us by one who would know — Darlene Goins, the festival chairperson whose life for several weeks has revolved around making this big event even bigger.
She and her committee members — and all involved — are multitasking like never before. Truly, their long-term efforts will bear great fruit when the crowds converge on the small community to Cleveland’s north.
Once the opening ceremonies have launched the celebration at 10, look for exciting events like these. An assembly program is set for 11 a.m. at the school after which will be a breathtaking look back in history. Charelston School Principal Jodie Granham will open the school’s cornerstone.
Want to know what’s in it?
We suggest the curious attend the Charleston festival and especially the cornerstone ceremony. It will likely open eyes, minds and hearts.
For those planning to attend Saturday, here’s a timetable of events:
- 10 a.m., opening ceremonies by the Alumni Committee.
- 10 a.m., registration for the Cow-Pea Cookoff immediately after opening ceremonies.
- 11 a.m., assembly program at the school; the school will be open for tours and will host a series of memorabilia displays; and, of course, the cornerstone opening.
- 12:30 p.m., announcements in the park of the Cow-Pea Cookoff winners.
- 2 p.m., alumni program and trivia questions.
- 3 p.m., tribute.
- 4 to 6 p.m., music in the park featuring Don Wilson and Boys at Heart.
- 8 p.m., an old-fashioned Sock Hop in the school gym.
A little of everything is being planned for Charleston School alumni, and anybody who wants to attend, in this two days of family-friendly entertainment and fun, and this look back into 100 years of history and education. Too, the exciting celebration will pay homage to the kind of impact a school can have on its surrounding community.
Don’t wait for an invitation!
Just show up Friday night or Saturday morning, and preferably both.
On this occasion, the Charleston community will shine.
Their residents have earned this moment.
And so has their school!
