Dear Editor,
Last week’s article (The Eatonton Messenger, A1) about the ribbon-cutting for the new Gatewood High School might give the reader a false impression of my role in its founding. That is understandable since I failed to credit the many who were instrumental. I cannot begin to name all who contributed their time, money, and effort to ensure Gatewood would become a reality in nine months.
Much credit must be given to Walter Rocker, Gatewood’s construction foreman and “cheerleader,” who literally worked in the trenches along with so many parents, most of whom had already put in a full day at their paying jobs. Rocker was Gatewood’s first president.
Credit must also be given to Coach Melvin Charles, Gatewood’s first headmaster and athletic coach. Mel Sammons and his family donated the land, known affectionately as the Gators’ “Swamp.”
Veda Manley ran the student signup office downtown, supplied by Henry Hearn. Parents, grandparents, and friends donated construction funds, even those with no children or grandchildren who might attend. With $100,000 in hand, construction began.
In record time, less than nine months, Gatewood opened its doors for school. It had hired Mr. Charles and teachers, signed up students, and collected all tuition for the coming year. Making a special contribution were the teachers who left higher-paying jobs with retirement benefits to teach at Gatewood.
What seemed impossible became reality. Gatewood fulfilled the dreams of its founders, parents, grandparents, and community supporters, providing a school whose students would excel academically and be grounded in high moral values, demonstrate respect for others, and realize they were given an opportunity, not an entitlement.
Gatewood’s graduates have excelled in some of the most challenging colleges and universities, becoming leaders in their chosen fields after graduation. It is indeed satisfying to see Gatewood hasn’t changed its vision after 54 years.
We were blessed to have been part of an incredible task. Walt Rocker was 30 years old; I was 34. Looking back, we should have known it wasn’t possible.
Tom Thompson, Eatonton