Excerpts taken from the May 26, 1960 edition of the Rappahannock Record
LHS’ top two students prepare for commencement and beyond
by Robert Mason Jr.
As of Monday, Lancaster High’s top graduates were focusing their attention on final exams and graduation speeches.
Valedictorian Suzanna Haynie Johnston said her address will reflect upon the past years. “Being your true self and not letting others influence you is the overall theme,” she said.
Salutatorian Colin Daron Whitlow said he hadn’t written his presentation as of yer. He will be introducing the graduation speaker Dr. James Ellsworth Chiles Norris, president of Jamtak International Inc., which provides consulting services to health professionals.
Johnston, 17 is the daughter of Dr. Brooks and Nancy Johnston of White Stone. As of the end of the first semester, she had a grade point average of 4.389.
In the fall, Johnston will attend James Madison University to pursue dance and pre-med studies. She also was accepted to Randolph-Macon Women’s College and successfully auditioned at Shenandoah Dance Conservator and University.
Whitlow, 18 is the son of David and Susan Whitlow of White Stone. At mid-year, his grade point average was 4.286.
Whitlow will attend the University of Virginia. As an Echol Scholar, he will have a great deal of academic freedom. Although he hasn’t selected a major field of study, he said he is leaning towards the arts.
“Overall, the governor’s school was the most challenging,” said Whitlow. “we had a lot of math concepts that were hard.”
“Senior English was also a tough class and that makes it more fun because you learn more,” said Whitlow.
Joining the class of 2000 in her junior year, Johnston said making the transition from homeschooling to the public school system was particularly challenging. The class was already like a family and she had to find her place, she said.
Johnston and Whitlow are among 80 graduates in the LHS class of 2000.
Northumberland Fair is canceled
To The Editor:
We thank pas Northumberland County Fair participants for their support and participation and regret to note that the county fair committee has decided no to hold the Northumberland County Fair this year. We have marveled at the many talents of our county’s citizens since the first fair was held almost 20 years ago. We have enjoyed talking with so many of you to learn how the items were made or how many hours of love and patience went into so many of the handmade items. Thank you for sharing your stories about the entries or about the people that made them or for whom they were made.
The handmade items have always been the favorite of most participants and spectators. So many quilts seem to have a story, which is what makes them special. Several years ago, a lady entered a most unusual and beautiful quilt. The quilt pieces had been carefully cut from the garments that had belonged to her mother. Each piece reminded her of her mother’s love.
There are so many other great stories from the Northumberland County Fair, and I wish I could share them all with you.
Please continue to share your items and participate in other are county fairs or in the Virginia State Fair.
Thank you for your participation in the past, and thanks for sharing your talents and your stories.
Alameda McKenney and Lisa Dietz, co-chairs, Northumberland County Fair Committee
Read more from our glimpse of the past series
A glimpse of the past: June 4, 1925
A glimpse of the past: May 26, 1960
