Opelika:
A City of
Character
Character Education Program
Opelika High School
Opelika, Alabama
2009-2010
Opelika:
A City of
Character
1st Term
2009-2010
Opelika High School
1700 Lafayette Parkway
Opelika, Alabama 36801
334-745-9715
Special thanks to Opelika Observer, D. Mark Mitchell,
Opelika-Auburn News, Kate Larkin, Envision Opelika,
East Alabama Living, Dr. Charlie Hannah,
and the fine people of Opelika, Alabama.
August 10-14, 2009
Patsy Boyd Parker
the distinction of being the first
chairwoman of the board.
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Dr. Parker was recently honored
by ASU when she acted as the
university’s
commencement
speaker in May 2007. During
her address at the university’s
275th commencement exercise,
Dr. Parker advised graduates to
meet the challenges of the time
and make the most of what they
have. She also encouraged them
to achieve greatness and leave
their own footprints in the sand.
The university further recognized
Dr. Patsy Boyd Parker has
Mrs. Parker by presenting her with
dedicated her life to students across
an honorary doctorate of humane
the state of Alabama. An education
letters.
consultant and retired school
counselor, Dr. Parker has shown ASU President Joe A. Lee and
tireless commitment to providing the Board of Trustees bestowed
young people with opportunities this honor upon Mrs. Parker as
to excel academically and live recognition and admiration of
fulfilled lives.
her many years of service to
the university. Dr. Parker, who
Dr. Parker provided 27 years of
graduated as class valedictorian
devoted service to the Alabama
from Alabama State University in
State University Board of Trustees.
1961, earned her master’s degree
She was first appointed to the
in counselor education from
board in 1981 by the late Alabama
Auburn University in 1970. While
governor George Wallace and
at Auburn, she was instrumental
served until 1996. Dr. Parker then
in organizing the university’s first
received her second appointment by
black sorority, Delta Sigma Theta.
former governor Fob James, Jr. and
She and her husband William live
served from 1996 to 2007. During
in Opelika, Alabama, where she
her tenure, Dr. Parker served as
serves as board member for Opelika
vice chairwoman, and she holds
OHS 2009-2010
City Schools. She also serves as a Advisory Council.§
member of the Auburn’s National
Vocabulary
Abhor (verb)—hate
Bigot (noun)—narrow-minded, prejudiced person
Counterfeit (adjective)—fake; false
Discussion
1. Give a definition of commitment in your own words.
2. Write the best definition of commitment that your class or group
has developed.
3. How does the information about Dr. Parker fit the definition you
have in #2?
“What you see in others has more to do with who
you are than who other people are.”
—Epictetus
August 17-21, 2009
Rick Hagans
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Preaching for all these years has
brought Hagans a lot of experience.
He has preached in over 300
different churches, in 27 states and
in 10 different countries. Even as
a “charismatic Christian” much of
Hagans’ work remains in mainline denominational churches. Rick
is an ordained Baptist Minister,
and he believes one of God’s
purposes in his work is to let the
various denominational ministers
he works with know not all Spiritfilled ministers are the stereotypical
“weird, decisive, rebellious” type
so many traditional pastors fear.
Hagans’ preaching calendar stays
filled with revivals in 15-20 mainline
churches every year, many as repeat
engagements.
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Rick Hagans, the Founder and
President of Harvest Evangelism, has
been preaching since age nine when
he felt the Lord call him to go preach
to some homeless hippies he saw on
the evening news. He ran away from
home to go preach, but was caught by
the police as he tried to hop a freight
train he thought would take him to
the “city”. The police, his parents, a
pastor and even a psychologist called
in on the case convinced Hagans
not to leave home at only 9 years of
age. He did however begin to preach
around his community earning him
the nickname of “Preacher Boy”.
Many elderly people in the AuburnOpelika, Alabama area call him that
to this day (even though he is now 50
years old). n
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God didn’t just “call him to the city”
but also continues to use him there.
Pastor David Wilkerson introduced
Hagans with this statement; “God
has placed His own heart of love for
people within Rick Hagans. He is a
man of vision.”
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Years later, Hagans was able
to proclaim from the pulpit of the
Times Square Church in the heart of
New York City, that “God is true to
His call, and finally, after 30 years...I
finished my trip. I am preaching in the
city, just like He called me!” Today
Hagans continues to preach at Times
Square Church several times a year.
Hagans continues to do much of his
ministry work outside the four walls
of the church. Every year he joins
with another group in New Orleans to
preach on the streets of Mardi Gras.
He has helped found several churches
and an orphanage in Reynosa, Mexico
where he takes 800-1000 people on
short term mission trips every year.
He also tries to go to India yearly,
OHS 2009-2010
where he ministers to hundreds of
native missionaries and was the
guest evangelist at the largest church
in Southern India, Madras’ Apostolic
Pentecostal Fellowship.
Hagans is involved with various
types of street ministry through the
efforts of Harvest Evangelism from
national outreaches such as the one
to Mardi Gras and regular state and
local outreaches. Hagans’ work has
received official commendations
from the Governor of his state
and the Mayor of his city. Another
interesting side-light to Hagans’
ministry has been acclaimed by other
ministers including world-renown
ministers such as David Wilkerson
and David Jeremiah, both of whom
have included testimonies involving
Hagans in recent books they’ve
written.§
Vocabulary
Enfranchise (verb)—give voting rights
Hamper (verb)—hinder; obstruct
Kindle (verb)—to start a fire
Noxious (adjective)—harmful; poisonous; lethal
Discussion
1. How does the information about Hagans fit the definition you have in
#2 from last week’s lesson?
2. List two examples of commitment Hagans and Dr. Parker have in
common.
“You can find on the outside o­nly what you possess
on the inside.”
—Adolpho Montiel Ballesteros
August 24-28, 2009
Will Herring
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who recently wrapped up his second
year as a linebacker for the Seattle
Seahawks. Herring now lives in
Seattle and is part of a Seahawks
roster laden with former AU Tigers,
including Chris Gray, Kevin Hobbs,
Ben Obomanu and Courtney Taylor.
While there are some larger life
lessons football has taught Herring,
it’s some of the smaller ones that tend
to stick out in his mind. “Just because
a coach yells at you, it doesn’t mean
he doesn’t like you,” joked Herring,
as he glanced over at former OHS
football coach Spence McCracken.
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As a four-year starter at safety and
linebacker for Auburn University,
Will Herring is more than familiar
with his football playbook. One
Friday morning, he walked into an
Opelika classroom with the playbook
for his personal life — the Bible.
Herring spoke before a class of OHS
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
students on everything from faith to
family.
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“We all have gifts to offer,” Herring
said. “I’m not talking about athletic
or academic gifts, but how we each
give back spiritually in the way we
live our daily lives.”
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Herring, 25, said his parents instilled
that lesson in him at an early age.
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“I was fortunate enough to be raised
in a Christian home where morals and
values were taught and a solid work
ethic was stressed,” said Herring,
an Opelika native and former OHS
star. That hard work has translated
into success on the field for Herring,
McCracken described Herring’s visit
to the school as “awesome.” “It’s great
to see students that you’ve coached
play in the NFL,” McCracken said.
“Will’s a real special kid, and more
importantly than his football play, is
a great character example for young
people. In this day and time, positive
role models for our kids to look up to
are so important.”
OHS 2009-2010
Herring also puts on a free annual
summer football camp, which
former AU football player Tommie
Jackson has helped with in the past.
“Sometimes, folks will leave the
area and forget where they came
from,” McCracken said. “Will hasn’t
forgotten.Ӥ
Vocabulary
Placid (adjective)—calm; peaceful
Remuneration (noun)—payment for work done
Talisman (noun)—lucky charm
Abrasive (adjective)—rough; coarse; harsh
Discussion
1. How has leadership played a role in Herring’s life?
2. Explain how Herring has learned leadership skills.
3. List three traits of leadership that you see in Herring’s life.
“He who has a ‘why’ to live for can bear almost any
‘how.’”
—Nietzsche
August 31-September 4, 2009
Yetta G. Samford
The new Opelika Sports Complex
is named after Yetta G. Samford,
Jr., to reflect not only his lifelong
dedication to his hometown but also
his status one of Alabama’s most
outstanding leaders. The new sports
complex is called Mary and Yetta
Samford Park.
Law where he was inducted into
Quadrangle honoraries.
Samford knew at an early age that he
wanted to go into the law profession.
While he always assumed he would
be an attorney, he sought other life
experiences.
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Born in 1923, Samford inherited
not only an unusual name from his
father but a family legacy in the
legal profession from both sides of
his family. His mother’s father was
Judge Denson in Lafayette, who
was on the Alabama Supreme Court,
while on the Samford side of the
family his great-grandfather served
as governor. Several uncles were
also attorneys and judges.
In 1958 he was elected president
of Kiwanis and to the State Senate,
serving from 1959 until 1961.
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Leadership was revealed at an early
age. At Clift High School (now
Opelika High School), he was
president of the senior class and on
the debate team that attended national
finals.
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While at Auburn University as
a pre-law student, Samford was
elected to Squires, and honorary
service organization composed of
outstanding sophomores.
After spent time in the Air Corps
of the US Army piloting B-17s,
Samford graduated from Auburn
University
and
entered
the
University of Alabama School of
Education was important to Samford.
Locally, he served on the Opelika
Board of Education as chairman.
In the state, he served as a trustee
and chairman of the board at the
University of Alabama and was also a
founding member and chairman of the
trustees for the University of Mobile.
Other service included chairman
of the State Board of Corrections
and a director of the Alabama State
Chamber of Commerce, West Point
Manufacturing Company, Farmer’s
National Bank, Liberty National
Life Insurance, among other boards
locally and statewide.
Judge John Denson tells us “Yetta
has devoted a huge amount of time
and effort to the benefit of many
individuals, his community, his state
and country.” Judge Denson adds,
“There are so many adjectives to
describe him, but to sum it up, he is
OHS 2009-2010
simply the finest person I have ever
know.”
Always a southern gentleman,
Samford humbly insists he could
not repay what Opelika has given
him. Samford’s sense of integrity,
character and his love of family
have been the guiding principles of
his life.§
Vocabulary
Bilk (verb)—cheat; defraud
Covert (adjective)—hidden; undercover
Engender (verb)—cause
Knotty (adjective)—complex; difficult to solve
Discussion
1. Why is fairness an appropriate trait to associate with Yetta G. Samford?
2. What are the problems that keep life from being fair?
3. Explain how one problem you mentioned in #2 could be resolved.
“It is a wise man who said that there is no greater
inequality than the equal treatment of unequals”
—Felix Frankfurter
September 8-11, 2009
T.J. Jackson
As a standout defensive tackle at
Opelika High School and Auburn
University, T.J. Jackson routinely
beat the blocks of opposing offensive
linemen.
proud of.
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“You have to remember whatever
sport you play, you can only use your
body for so long, but an education
is something no one can ever take
But the one thing Jackson, 25, never away from you,” said Jackson, who
cut corners on was his education, currently resides in Kansas City.
which was the message he shared
with student-athletes at OHS as part That point was something Jackson
of the National Guard Speakers’ said his mother, Virginia, impressed
upon him and his sisters, Candice
Program.
and Ashli, at an early age.
“These students need to be thinking
about what they’re going to do after Jackson’s mother spent six years in
high school and whatever that is, the National Guard and another 14
the National Guard can be a great in the Army Reserve before recently
vehicle for that,” said Jackson, who retiring from BF Goodrich after 25
currently plays for the NFL’s Kansas years.
City Chiefs.
Jackson was undrafted out of college
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Jackson, an Opelika native, earned
his public administrations degree
in three years at Auburn University,
an academic accomplishment he’s
and spent time with the Atlanta
Falcons before signing a contract
with the Kansas City Chiefs.
While he enjoys playing on Sundays,
OHS 2009-2010
football is something Jackson keeps my positive actions off the field,”
in perspective.
Jackson said. “This about much
more than getting a paycheck to play
“Football is a platform for me to not football. It’s about doing the right
only play, but to serve God through thing.Ӥ
Vocabulary
Nuance (noun)—something subtle; a fine shade of meaning
Plagiarism (noun)—taking credit for someone else’s writing or ideas
Renown (noun)—fame
Discussion
1. List two reasons self-control is a valuable trait.
2. Give three benefits Jackson has received from self-control.
“The still small voice within you must always be the
final arbiter when there is a conflict of duty.”
—Mohandas K. Gandhi
September 14-18, 2009
William James Samford
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William James Samford was born
September 16, 1844, in Greenville,
Georgia. Prior to 1850 he moved
with his parents, William F. and
Susan, to Auburn, Alabama, where he
attended private schools, including
one year at East Alabama College
(now Auburn University). As a youth
Samford worked as a printer and
typesetter in his father’s Tuskegee
newspaper office. He also attended
the University of Georgia briefly but
left the school in 1862 to join the delegate to the Alabama Annual
Conference in 1890, and was a
Confederate army.
delegate to the general conference
Samford served in the 46th Alabama of the Methodist Ecumenical
Infantry Regiment and fought in Conference in London, England, in
campaigns in Tennessee, Kentucky 1901 but could not attend due to ill
and Mississippi. In May 1863 he health.
was captured at the battle of Baker’s
Creek in Mississippi and imprisoned Samford’s political career began in
at Johnson’s Island, Lake Erie, for 1872 when he served as an alderman
eighteen months. Lieutenant Samford in Opelika. Also in 1872 he was a
was released in 1864 and returned to delegate to the state Democratic
convention and an alternate elector
his regiment until the war ended.
on the Horace Greeley ticket. He
After the war Samford returned to assisted with the gubernatorial
Auburn and began growing cotton. campaign of George S. Houston in
He married Caroline Elizabeth Drake 1874. The following year Samford
in October 1865. They had nine was a member of the constitutional
children. In 1867 he was admitted to convention and a presidential elector
the bar and opened a law practice in in 1876. From 1879 until 1881 he
Opelika.
represented the state in the U.S.
A deeply religious man, Samford Congress. Samford represented Lee
was also a licensed minister in the County in the state legislature from
Methodist Episcopal Church, South. 1882 until 1896, including two
He was a member of the board of years as president of the senate. He
stewards, served several times as a was appointed to the University of
Alabama Board of Trustees in 1896.
OHS 2009-2010
In 1900 Samford was elected
governor of the state of Alabama but
held the office for only six months.
He died in Tuscaloosa on June 11,
1901, while attending a university
board of trustees meeting. Two major
events occurred during his short time
as governor. First and foremost was
the 1901 Constitutional Convention
which produced the state’s present
constitution.
Samford’s
other
accomplishment was the creation of
the Alabama Department of Archives
and History. §
Vocabulary
Tangent (noun)—an idea away from the main subject
Abasement (noun)—humiliation; degradation
Billow (verb)—swell; flutter; wave
Cower (verb)—recoil in fear or servility; shrink away from
Discussion
1. Define honesty as it applies to the life of William James Samford.
2. Define honesty as it applies to your life.
“Integrity simply means a willingness not to violate
an identity.”
—Erich Fromm
September 21-25, 2009
Billy Hitchcock
he played with the Kansas City Blues
American Association. He coached
football and basketball at Opelika
High School in 1940-41, before
returning to baseball with the Detroit
Tigers in 1942.
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Hitchcock spent over forty years in
professional baseball as a player,
manager, scout, coach and minor
league executive. Between 1942
and 1953, he was an infielder with
five major league clubs—the Detroit
Billy Hitchcock of Opelika— known Tigers, Washington Senators, St.
as a gentleman, recognized as an Louis Browns, Boston Red Sox and
athlete and coach, and honored for Philadelphia Athletics.
his dedication to sports and young
people—had a baseball career that Following his major league career,
Hitchcock served a big league
spanned over four decades.
manager with the Tigers, Baltimore
A former Auburn University football Orioles and Atlanta Braves in the
and baseball standout, Hitchcock led 1960s.
Auburn to its first football bowl game
and its first Southeastern Conference His baseball career was briefly
baseball title in 1937. Hitchcock interrupted in 1942 when he was
then led AU to the Bacardi Bowl in called to active duty in the military.
Havana, Cuba, on Jan. 1, 1937, where Hitchcock, who was a lieutenant
he scored AU’s only touchdown, in the Army reserves, served in the
a 40-yard run, in a 7-7 tie against Army Air Force and advanced to the
Villanova. As captain and shortstop rank of major by the end of World
on the baseball team, “Mr. Billy,” War II, earning the Bronze Star and
as he was known, lettered in 1936 three battle stars for service in the
and 1937 while leading the Tigers to Pacific.
their first conference baseball title as In 1971, he was elected president
a senior.
of the Southern Baseball League
In June 1938, Hitchcock signed a where he served for 10 years. After
contract to play baseball for the New 41 years in professional baseball,
York Yankees. From 1939 to 1941, 22 of those in the majors, Hitchcock
retired in 1981. He was inducted into
OHS 2009-2010
the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in supporter of local youth baseball
1975.
programs and athletics in Opelika.
In 1994, Hitchcock was named
Hitchcock has left his mark on the honorary chairman of the Dixie
area. In 1990, he received the Walter Youth Baseball State Tournament
Gilbert award given each year to a at West Ridge Park. He was also a
former outstandingAuburn University former board member of AmSouth
athlete. And in 1997, Hitchcock and Bank, the Boys & Girls Clubs of
his late brother, Jimmy, Auburn’s Greater Lee County, the Museum of
first All-American in both baseball East Alabama, Camp ASCCA and the
and football, were honored as the Alabama Senior Golf Association.
field at Plainsman Park was renamed
“Hitchcock Field.”
“A finer gentleman I never knew,”
said Dragoin, a former Auburn
In later years, Hitchcock became University golf coach.§
active in the community as a
Vocabulary
Enhance (verb)—improve; make better or clearer
Harangue (verb)—noisy, attacking speech
Labyrinth (noun)—a maze
Nullify (verb)—to counter; make unimportant
Discussion
1. What qualities make an athlete a sportsman?
2. Explain whether being a sportsman hinders or helps a sportsman
become a winner.
“Dignity does not consist in possessing honors, but
in deserving them.”
—Aristotle
September 28-October 2, 2009
Dr. Alfred Frederick
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And that is what I would like to
do,” he said.
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After graduating from J. W. Darden
High School in Opelika, Frederick
went on to receive his bachelor’s
degree at Northern Illinois
University, master’s at Columbia
University and doctorate at the
University of Brussels in Belgium
and complete post-doctoral work
at Harvard University.
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Alfred Frederick, a native
of Opelika and a professor of
curriculum and instruction at the
State University of New York
at Oswego, has received a 2009
Syracuse, NY Post-Standard
People of Achievement Award in
recognition of his work inspiring
future educators at home and
abroad.
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“Teachers can make a life, or they
can break a life. In that sense,
they have an enormous amount of
power,” Frederick said in a story
the Post-Standard dedicated to
him and his work last month in
advance of the award ceremony.
Frederick has taught in the SUNY
Oswego School of Education
since 1985. He has earned six
Fulbright grants to teach, conduct
research and conduct research and
consult in the African republic of
Benin and in Brazil.
He is the author of several books
and guides. Among them is “The
Integration of Language, School,
and Community: Bridging the
Gap Between Home and School,”
published in French in Benin.
The US Agency for International
Development purchased the book,
and Frederick used the proceeds
to establish the Sallie Frederick
Foundation for Teacher Training
in Benin, in honor of his late
mother of Opelika.
He told how his seventh-grade
teacher in Opelika inspired him
to excel. “She’s a part of me. If
you’ve touched a life, you have
done something that is meaningful. On the occasion of Frederick’s
OHS 2009-2010
most recent honor, Mayor
Matthew J. Driscoll of Syracuse
wrote to him, “Your tireless
dedication to education and the
approach and attitude you take
towards teaching is refreshing
and inspirational. Through Project
CLIMB and Project SMART you
have been able to link students and
faculty worldwide, connecting
Central New York to the global
community.Ӥ
Vocabulary
Plaintiff (noun)—petitioner (in court of law)
Replete (adjective)—full
Tangible (adjective)—can be touched
Abrogate (verb)—cancel; deny; repeal
Discussion
1. Why is cooperation an essential part of everyday life?
2. How has cooperation helped Dr. Frederick achieve success?
“No man is an island. Each is part of the main.”
—John Donne
October 5-9, 2009
Jody Fuller
said he realized he had a knack for
getting laughs about the sixth grade.
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A lot of his jokes are based on
“redneck or blue-collar humor,” but
he said there’s a common theme with
any material he uses. “My comedy
is based on real life,” said Fuller,
who recently purchased a house in
Opelika. “The best comedy is comedy
about real life and real things.”
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As for the reality of a speech
impediment, Fuller said he sees it as
Some of his words may be difficult an asset.
to make out, but when it comes to the
language of laughter, Opelika native “There are always going to be people
Jody Fuller couldn’t be more fluent. who have it better than you, and
there will always be those who have
The man his friends affectionately it much worse,” said Fuller.
know as the “Stuttering Comic,”
recently returned from a 25-day Pronouncing the names of some
comedy tour entertaining troops in Middle Eastern and central Asian
Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and Saudi countries is sometimes hard for
Arabia.
Fuller. “Not sure I’ll ever get used
to some of those names,” said Fuller.
It’s a nickname Fuller, 36, has “Heck, I stutter. I even have trouble
embraced.
pronouncing the country of Chad.”
“I chose the name ‘The Stuttering
Comic’ because that’s what people
would refer to me as when they
couldn’t remember my name,” said
Fuller, a 1990 graduate of Opelika
High School and former enlisted
medic in the U.S. Army from 1992
to 1996 with the 111th Ordinance
Group in Opelika.
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But when he’s standing before an
audience of troops reeling off witty
one-liners, Fuller, in many ways, sees
himself. “I get great joy in making
people laugh, but there’s no greater
pleasure than performing for the
troops,” said Fuller, who re-enlisted
in the Army from 2002 to 2006 and
now holds the rank of captain in the
A self-described “respectful class Alabama National Guard. “I’ve been
clown” in his younger days, Fuller enlisted, and I’m an officer, so I can
OHS 2009-2010
relate to just about every troop out or wrong, we are judged by many by
there.”
the way we speak.
Fuller said it was rewarding getting
to meet with the troops after the
shows, and he’s honored to have
the opportunity to inspire others.
“Oftentimes after shows or via
e-mail, people come up to me and
tell me that they stutter and that it
was inspiring for them to see me up
there having no fear,” he said. “Right
“Because I talk so much about
stuttering and the challenges that
come with it, I’ll have family
members or friends of people who
stutter who are awakened to the daily
challenges that we face, whether it’s
answering the phone, asking a girl
out or ordering pizza. Thank God for
online ordering.Ӥ
Vocabulary
Blasphemy (noun)—speech which offends religious sentiments
Credible (adjective)—believable
Enigma (noun)—puzzle; mystery
Harbinger (noun)—indicator; bringer of warnings
Discussion
1. What characteristics make Fuller a good communicator?
2. How does Fuller use comedy in his life?
“Only a brave person is willing to honestly admit,
and fearlessly to face, what a sincere and logical
mind discovers.”
—Rodan of Alexandria
October 12-16, 2009
Robert L. Howard
forward to a hill where they thought
the wounded Green Beret might be
hiding, a force of about 250 North
Vietnamese suddenly attacked.
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His hands were mangled by shrapnel,
which had also destroyed his weapon.
He could hear his lieutenant groaning
in pain a few yards away, and he
was almost overcome by a sickening
odor: An enemy soldier with a Soviet
flamethrower was burning the bodies
of Howard’s comrades killed in the
attack.
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Robert L. Howard was born July 11,
1939 in Opelika, Alabama. He is a
highly decorated officer of the United
States Army and Medal of Honor
recipient of the Vietnam War.
Howard and his lieutenant were at the
head of the platoon when a claymore
mine went off nearby. Howard was
knocked unconscious; when he came
to, he thought he was blind, until he
realized that the blood from wounds
on his face had gotten into his eyes.
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Howard’s father and four uncles had
been paratroopers in World War II, and
he followed in their footsteps, joining
the 101st Airborne in 1956. In 1965,
during the first of his five tours of duty
in Vietnam, he was wounded when a
ricocheting bullet hit him in the face.
While recuperating in a field hospital,
he met a patient who was in the Special
Forces. The man’s commanding officer
talked Howard into transferring to the
Special Forces.
By late 1968, he had already been
recommended for the Medal of Honor
on two separate occasions as part of
the 5th Special Forces Group. On the
afternoon of December 28, his unit
was ordered to rescue a wounded
Green Beret. It took two hours for
Howard and his men to clear the
landing zone and get all the troops
in. By dusk, as they were moving
Deciding to blow himself up rather
than be incinerated, Howard struggled
to get a grenade off his web belt, then
fumbled with the pin. The soldier
with the flamethrower watched him
for a moment, then walked away.
Howard threw the grenade after him,
then crawled to his lieutenant and tried
to pull him down the hill into a ravine
where the surviving Americans and
South Vietnamese had taken refuge.
When he got the officer down to a large
tree root where another GI had taken
shelter, he screamed at the soldier to
hand over his weapon. The soldier
tossed him his .pistol, then opened
fire himself with his rifle, killing three
OHS 2009-2010
enemy soldiers who were trying to later, in February 1971, Howard was
capture Howard and his lieutenant.
a captain in charge of a Special Forces
At that moment an NVA round struck company under assault by the enemy
Howard’s ammunition pouch, blowing when he got a call on a field telephone
him several feet down the hill. Still from General William Westmoreland.
clutching the .45, he crawled back to “We’re in pretty bad shape here,”
the lieutenant, shooting several North Howard said, thinking the general had
Vietnamese along the way, and finally called to find out his situation. “Yeah,
I know,” Westmoreland replied, “but
dragged him down to the ravine.
we’re going to bring you out and give
Howard took charge of the remaining you the Medal of Honor.”
Special Forces troops, then called
in U.S. air strikes. For the next two Robert Howard received the medal
days the North Vietnamese probed his from President Richard Nixon on
position. On the morning of December March 2, 1971. He retired at the rank
31, U.S. helicopters were finally able of colonel in 1992.§
to stage an evacuation. Two years
Vocabulary
Tardy (adjective)—slow; late; overdue; delayed
Absolution (noun)—forgiveness; pardon; release
Blatant (adjective)—obvious
Creditable (adjective)—praiseworthy
Discussion
1. Why was Howard awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor?
2. Explain why fear is a necessary part of courage.
“Resolve must be firmer, spirit the bolder, courage the greater,
as our strength grows less
—”The Battle of Maldon” (Old English poem)
October 19-23, 2009
Billy Earl McClelland
McClelland continues to be a regular
in clubs and festivals throughout the
Southeast. McClelland’s raw edged
vocals and guitar talent has led him
to work with such blues greats as Bo
Diddley and Albert Collins. His Year
2000 CD Judgment Day received
critical acclaim from all the major
blues magazines.
a
ti
v
it
After high school, McClelland
moved to Nashville, Tennessee,
and was almost immediately picked
up by a record label. As a session
guitarist in Nashville, he worked
with B.J. Thomas, Willie Nelson,
Tony Joe White, Hank Snow,
Townes Van Zandt, Brenda Lee,
Mel Tillis and a host of others. He’s
written songs for Hank Williams Jr.,
Waylon Jennings, Jerry Jeff Walker,
T.G. Sheppard, Sawyer Brown and
Delbert McClinton and more.
y
Billy Earl McClelland, born in 1950 first Big Bill Morganfield (son of
in Opelika, Alabama, is a session Muddy Waters) recording engineered
guitarist and songwriter.
by Mike Durff.
C
re
Billy Earl McClelland has recently
helmed Mojo:Saint, a contemporary
blues project, along with veteran
drummer David Brazeal and
Eventually, he released a more rock- legendary bassist Jack Hall [Wet
oriented record on Elektra. A second Willie]. A new Mojo:Saint studio
album, Ready or Not, remains recording is in the works for late
unreleased by the label.
2007.
Later, McClelland moved to McClelland has been inducted into
Memphis at the urging of Skip the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.§
McQuinn. While there, his passion
for the blues led him to produce the
OHS 2009-2010
Vocabulary
Labyrinthine (adjective)—complicated; highly convoluted
Nuzzle (verb)—cuddle; snuggle
Plaudit (noun)—statement giving strong praise
Reprehensible (adjective)—shameful; very bad
Discussion
1. How has McClelland’s creativity contributed to his musical success?
2. Explain the relationship between creativity and work
“It is the silence between the notes that makes the
music.”
—Noah benShea
October 26-30, 2009
Shirley Flora
efforts to reach them and
was remarkably effective in
communicating those goals
and what it would take to
make them reality.
ss
Her hard work in Keep
Opelika Beautiful helped
keep the city’s roadways
and neighborhoods as
attractive as possible.
C
le
a
n
li
n
e
When you drive through the
Opelika Azalea Trail, it’s
difficult not to think of Mrs.
No one has made Opelika more
Flora
and
appreciate the hard work
beautiful than Shirley Flora.
she did for her city.
No one has been more committed to
helping the City of Opelika realize its Few cities are blessed to have a
present potential and plan for the best resident with the work ethic and
genuine love for their town as Mrs.
possible future than Shirley Flora.
Flora.
She loves her city, and her dedication
to it as the former director of Keep Not only did she care enough to get
involved, but she had the unique
Opelika Beautiful, showed why.
ability to make others care as well.
Recently, the Alabama Chapter of She led by example.
the American Planning Association
at its spring conference presented the She beautified the city by example.
Friend of Planning Award Flora.
She is an example those looking to
Ironically, it was given to the get involved in community projects
candidate
that
“demonstrates should follow and admire.
time and dedication to increasing
A few words in this booklet could
the understanding of community
never adequately communicate what
planning and promoting causes that
she has done for Opelika.
advance the virtues of community
planning.” Flora tirelessly worked But, the residents of Opelika will
with city leaders, developed reap the rewards of her efforts for
worthwhile goals, organized the generations to come.§
OHS 2009-2010
Vocabulary
Ensconce (verb)—establish firmly in a position
Hasten (verb)—hurry; accelerate; rush
Laceration (noun)—a cut
Obdurate (adjective)—stubborn
Discussion
1. Explain how Shirley Flora has shown that cleanliness instills pride in a
city and its residents.
2. Explain two ways you have benefited from Shirley Flora’s dedication
to Opelika.
“Don’t agonize. Organize.”
—Florynce Kennedy
November 2-6, 2009
Henry Stern
to legally leave Germany.
G
ra
ti
tu
d
e
On June 24, 1937, Stern walked
on deck to find a crowd of people
staring off into the distance as the
Statue of Liberty stood directly in
front of them. “It was probably the
most beautiful sight I had ever seen,”
Stern remembers. Once off the ship,
the family stayed in a hotel for three
nights before boarding the New York
Born Heinz Julius Stern (Henry
Crescent train to Opelika.
Stern) to Arnold and Hedwig Stern
on September 4, 1931, his parents “While we were on the train, my
and older sister, Hannalora, lived in sister and I were told we needed to
Westheim, Westfalen, Germany; the Americanize our names,” Stern said.
only Jewish family in a small town “That’s when Hannalora became just
with only a depot, a creamery and Lora, and I became Henry.”
a few shops. When the family went The family received a hero-like
outside, they were required to wear welcome when they arrived in
the yellow Star of David pinned to Opelika on June 27, 1937. Opelika
their clothing to identify them as Mayor John Crawsley met the family
Jews.
at the Opelika Depot and presented a
The family left Germany when proclamation welcoming them to the
Stern’s great-aunt and great-uncle, United States. The Sterns were then
Julius and Amelia Hagedorn, a escorted by police to the Hagedorn’s
highly respected businessman who home on Third Avenue as citizens
owned a department store in Opelika, lined the streets to cheer the family’s
Alabama, sent six ship tickets for the arrival.
family to get to America. On June 16, Stern had never been free to go outside
1937, the six Sterns went to Hamburg, and play. He didn’t have to wear the
Germany, for a family farewell with Star of David, and he could even play
cousins and other relatives. Just a few with other children – concepts as
minutes before boarding the ship, foreign as the country he now called
a photograph was taken of all the home.
family members in attendance at the
Stern and his sister made new friends,
farewell and, along with 330 other
It was difficult at first since Stern and
passengers, the Sterns boarded the
Lora didn’t speak any English. But
S.S. Washington, the last ship of Jews
local schoolteacher, Louise Tollison,
had heard about the family coming
to America, so she brushed up on her
German and began teaching English
to the children. Ruth Meadows taught
the adults by using a Sears-Roebuck
catalog. They would point to an item,
and Meadows would translate.
Stern attended Northside Intermediate
School from first through sixth grades
and Clift High School, also known as
Opelika High School, from seventh
to 12th. Stern played football and
basketball at OHS one year and
following
graduation,
attended
Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now
Auburn University) where he played
a year of basketball. He served in the
U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1954 and
graduated from Auburn in 1960.
OHS 2009-2010
1961. An accomplished artist, the
late “Miss Roslyn” taught art in the
Opelika City Schools for almost 40
years, and the couple had two children,
Virginia and Henry J. Stern, Jr.
Stern was a partner in a department
store in downtown Opelika and a
real estate agent before joining the
Opelika Chamber of Commerce
where he worked until his retirement
in 1988.
Many call the Holocaust the most
heinous crime ever committed
against humanity, but because of
persistent relatives in Opelika, Stern
escaped the atrocity and now is one
of the last known survivors east of the
Mississippi River.
He faced challenges in his life most
In the summer of 1955, Stern met could never imagine, but he has always
Roslyn Brock at the Opelika Tennis remained positive and grounded.§
Center and married her on June 23,
Vocabulary
Plausible (adjective)—can be believed; reasonable
Reprieve (noun)—a respite; postponement of a sentence
Tawdry (adjective)—of little value; gaudy
Abstain (verb)—desist; go without; withdraw
Discussion
1. Define gratitude.
2. List two ways gratitude fits the life of Henry Stern.
“Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous.”
—Albert Einstein
November 9-13, 2009
John Herbert Orr
John Herbert Orr (1911 – 1984)
was an Alabama entrepreneur
who formed Orradio Industries,
Inc., a high-technology firm that
made magnetic recording tape.
Orr was among the U.S. Army
Intelligence
officials
who
investigated this technology,
which was originally developed
in Germany during the 1930s.
sales expanded rapidly in the
late 1950s. The company was
purchased by a larger competitor,
the Ampex Corporation, in 1959.
s
m
According to one story, in 1945
General Dwight D. Eisenhower
wanted to record a message to
the German people, which he
did using captured German tape.
However, the tape had not been
completely erased, and Hitler’s
voice, so the story goes, could be
heard intermittently along with
that of Eisenhower. Eisenhower
ordered that no more captured tape
could be used, and ordered Major
John Herbert Orr to use captured
German scientists to set up an
American tape manufacturing
facility.
P
a
t
r
io
ti
Along with recording tape,
Orradio Industries produced tape
players, Hi Fi speaker systems
and even electronic player pianos.
Eventually Ampex Corporation
funded his recording technology.
Orr placed his Ampex plant on the
spot where Opelika’s prisoner-ofwar camp for German prisoners
Orr’s early knowledge allowed had stood during World War II.
him to establish Orradio in 1949.
When, after some uncertainty, The Pioneer Award for The
tape became the standard medium Alabama Music Hall of Fame was
for magnetic recorders, and as named in his honor.§
other uses such as data storage
and videotape appeared, Orradio’s
OHS 2009-2010
Vocabulary
Blighted (adjective)—damaged; destroyed; ruined
Credulous (adjective)—gullible; ready to believe anything
Enshroud (verb)—cover
Questions
1. What is your definition of patriotism?
2. Based on his story, how do you think John Herbert Orr would define
patriotism?
“Don’t wait for your ‘ship to come in’ and feel angry
and cheated when it doesn’t. Get going with something small.”
—Irene Kassorla
November 16-20, 2009
James and Ophelia Killgore
n
e
r
o
s
it
y
middle of the ceiling in
their home and used only
if someone was in the
room. The light meter
was read regularly and
the icebox was opened
only three times a day
for Mrs. Killgore to get
the necessary items for a
meal. The couple never
owned a television,
telephone, or radio and
the one car they owned
was wiped down and
put up on blocks after
James and Ophelia Killgore came
to Opelika in 1916 with $600 and each use to save wear and tear on the
rented a house that still stands on tires, which were never replaced.
Geneva Street between Avenue D and
Mr. Killgore walked the two blocks
Torbert Boulevard. With their $600,
to work each day and Mrs. Killgore
Mr. Killgore opened a mercantile
would join him for lunch where they
store at the corner of South 9th Street
would split a ham sandwich and
and Avenue B (an historical marker
share a five-cent Coca-Cola.
marks the spot today) stocking
barrels of sugar and flour, dill pickles, When Mrs. Killgore became ill and
lard, canned goods, horse collars, was hospitalized, her husband hired
ropes, fabric, and the best selection round-the-clock nurses to sit with
of penny candy in town. He later her, but had to pay them privately at
added groceries to his inventory and the end of each shift so that his wife
employed one stock boy.
would not know he was paying for
G
e
Though he only had a sixth grade
education, Jim Killgore had a keen
mind and invested his money in
stocks and real estate. He read the
Wall Street Journal every day and he
and his wife were very frugal with
their spending.
their services.
Mrs. Killgore died in 1966 and
after her death, Mr. Killgore lived a
different life going to movies, outto-eat, and traveling with one of his
wife’s nurses. He died six months
later.
Light bulbs hung from wires in the At the time of their deaths, the
OHS 2009-2010
Killgores estate was valued at $1.5
million of which $1.2 million was left
to establish the James A. and Ophelia
Killgore Scholarship Fund. Only the
interest on the account can be used
each year with girls receiving $1,500
and boys $1,000, renewable for four
years. Originally, girls received $700
and boys $500, but the trust stipulated
that the amount could increase if the
funds were available. Girls receive
more than boys because when the
scholarship was established, girls
generally did not hold jobs.
Over 1,000 area seniors have been
awarded Killgore Scholarships since
1967.§
Vocabulary
Haughtiness (noun)—arrogance; pride
Lachrymose (adjective)—tearful; sad
Obfuscate (verb)—deliberately make something difficult to understand
Plethora (noun)—an excess
Discussion
1. What drove the Killgores to be so generous?
2. What is your definition of generosity
3. How have you benefited from the generosity of others?
“Charity sees the need, not the cause.”
—German Proverb
November 30-December 4, 2009
Cecil Langston
n
and clothing. Any time there was a
disaster, like fire or tornado, Cecil
and Sue would begin collecting items
from the church members and would
distribute them to the victims.
ss
io
This ministry grew and they were
able to help the residents of Timothy
Manor, an apartment complex for the
elderly. They would collect furniture
for those who had none, take them to
the doctor and to the grocery store,
hang clothing from the church clothes
closet in the laundry rooms for the
residents to take, and bring them
groceries form the church food pantry
once a month. The Langstons would
also go to the food bank and pick up
the food for the residents who did
not have transportation or who were
not physically able to go themselves.
Cecil and Sue encouraged other from
the church to help them and soon
they were in command of an army of
volunteers.
C
o
m
p
a
Cecil Langston has always been
a hard worker. From the first time
he went to work back in the early
1950s until he retired, he was a loyal
and dedicated employee. When he
retired he spent some time at the
lake relaxing and enjoying the fruits
of his labor. Then on day he met a
very poor, elderly man and decided
to help him. Cecil was so affected by
this man that he could not sleep at
night and would lay awake thinking
about him and wondering if he was
all right. The wheels started turning
for Cecil and in the next few months
he and his wife Sue started a ministry
Cecil and Sue’s idea grew even more
that would change hundreds of lives
and with the help of their church
right here in Opelika.
they began providing the groceries
The Langstons moved from the fro a Thanksgiving and a Christmas
lake back to Opelika and started a meal to the underprivileged children
food and clothing ministry at the in the Opelika City Schools. Last
10th Street Church of Christ. They year they expanded this program
collected food and clothing from to provide for students in Smiths
the members of the church and Station, Beauregard, and Beulah
stocked two rooms with these items. schools. They also began to collect
They began reaching out to the and provide winter coats for all the
disadvantaged of our community and same children.§
offering them assistance with food
OHS 2009-2010
Vocabulary
Repudiate (verb)—shun; eschew
Tedium (noun)—boredom
Abstemious (adjective)—self denying; refraining from indulging
Blithe (adjective)—free-spirited; carefree
Discussion
1. Give two reasons to consider Cecil Langston a compassionate man.
2. Give an example of an act of compassion that relates to you as either
the giver or the receiver.
“In every community, there is work to be done. In
every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every
heart, there is power to do it.”
—Marianne Williamson
December 7-11, 2009
Albert Chambers
Albert Chambers accomplished a
great many things in his life, but most
would say his greatest achievement
was the impact he made on the
community.
K
in
d
n
e
ss
The first African American County
Commissioner for Opelika, deacon
of the Great Peace Baptist Church,
Scout Master for troop 373, civil
rights activist, co-founder for the
youth development center and the
Greater Peace has awarded three
list goes on.
Eagle Scout honors since the ministry
“Had he not stood, a lot of us would began for Troop 373, he said.
not be here,” Irene Willis said. “He
not only opened the door, but he kept He also touched the lives of those
closest to him. Ivey said Chambers
that door open.”
steered him in the right direction,
Councilman Larry Gray said telling him what to do and what not
Chambers stepped up, came up front to do and that he was always proud
and became a leader. He couldn’t of him.
count all the people Chambers
“He paved the way for me, parting
served.
the waters like Moses did,” Gray
“There is no greater deed than to said. “I was born to live up to his
give back to your community,” said standards.”
Johnny Ivey, Chambers’ brother-inlaw. “Every little bit you do makes a Willis not only presented Chambers
with an award as being a pillar of the
person’s day a little brighter.”
Opelika community, but listed his
The Rev. Clifford Jones of Greater various accomplishments throughout
Peace Baptist church, Chambers’ the community through his church,
church, said he knew Chambers did food drives and being an active
a great deal of work before he even member of the NAACP. Chambers
got there.
has been awarded by every level
of government for his exceptional
“He started the Scouting ministry
service, Willis said. The Martin
at our church,” Jones said. “He has
Luther King, Jr. service award is also
impacted this area in so many ways.”
among his achievements.
OHS 2009-2010
“I saw him work to feed his family,”
Ivey said. “Then when he got his
GED, he was so proud of it. He
went out and collected all the people
he could find to get their GED.”
Fostering this work ethic and vision
was part of his everyday life and he
was an example to those he met.
Chambers is still a figure in the
community and inspires everyone he
meets. §
Vocabulary
Crepuscular (adjective)—active at dawn and dusk
Enunciation (noun)—clear pronunciation; accent; articulation
Headstrong (adjective)—stubborn; willful
Lackluster (adjective)—dull; monotonous; bland
Discussion
1. What acts of kindness do recognize in the story of Albert Chambers?
2. What acts of kindness have you done in the last week?
3. Explain why acts of kindness are necessary.
“An age is called Dark, not because the light fails to
shine, but because people refuse to see it.”
—James Michener
Notes
2009-2010
“No matter what we plant in our garden,
character is the gardener.”
—Noah benShea