Revelations about East's 2020-2021
School Year Revealed in Budget

July 31 - East High has gone through a number of significant transitions during its 69 year existence. It is beginning another one now. Today the teachers report to work, a week later, on August 7, students begin classes. Uniform day, Genius Day, and block scheduling are some of the concepts coming to East High School this year as the ninth grade becomes populated by students admitted only by application and qualification to the new T-STEM program. The East High Alumni Page provides an overview. Read more...

East High School is featured in a "Back to School" video produced by Shelby County Schools. It stars the new Executive Principal of East, Lischa Barrett ('91 and Faculty) Brooks and East T-STEM Assistant Principal Matthew Hernandez (Faculty). East High has been through several significant transitions in its 69 year history. The latest begins for students when school opens for the 2017-2018 school year on August 7. That's when the entire ninth grade will be part of the T-STEM optional program, admitted only by application and qualification. Grades 10-12 will continued with an enhanced traditional curriculum this year, with the T-STEM program encompassing an additional grade each year until all four grades are part of the optional program. You can watch the back to school video on youtube. To learn more about the transition of East High into a T-STEM optional school, see our STEM page.

Erica Lynn Towne, 36, of Memphis, daughter of Phil Towne ('67) and niece of Robin Towne ('71), died Thursday, July 13. Visitations are 5-7 p.m. Thursday, July 20 and 9 a.m. Friday, July 21, both at Memphis Funeral Home, Poplar Chapel. The funeral service follows at 10 a.m. Friday, July 21 at the funeral home.

"Local Cool School: East High Transportation STEM Academy" — "New school prepares students with science, technology and math focus"
TV news did a story on the preparation at East High for the ninth grade T-STEM program which begins in a month. WATN, Jul. 14 Delayed report:¹ Andy Calhoun ('61), 73, brother of Barbara Jean Calhoun (associated with the Class of '62) and Richard Calhoun (class association undetermined), died June 13, 2017. An obituary/notice is available.

Marta Cohen ('75), 58, of Memphis, died Monday, July 3. An obituary is available. Visitation is 1:30 p.m. Sunday, July 9 at Memorial Park Funeral Home, Memphis. A memorial service begins at 3 p.m., immediately after the visitation at the funeral home.

Commercial Appeal Editorial: Struggling East High could be among our jewels
There are plenty of reasons to cheer for and support a plan that could revive the academically struggling East High School, from the important role East played in the city’s post-war history of eastward expansion to its elegant baroque facade.
The 69-year-old campus where Cybill Shepherd ['68], Mike Cody ['54] ... matriculated enjoys near iconic status among many of the city’s movers and shakers as well as those of us who simply cast an admiring glance in its direction as we drive by... It could turn out to be a jewel among Shelby County’s public schools, perhaps even a model for other local industries that want to develop talent and help build the kind of workforce Memphis needs to realize its economic potential. Read more: The Commercial Appeal, Jul. 6

Jocelyn Plough Rudner, 94, of Memphis, mother of Pat Rudner ('63), DD Rudner ('65), and Diane Rudner ('68), died June 18. Services were held June 23

July 8, 2017 - The East High Block Party is underway until 7 p.m. in front of the school. Alumni, perspective students, and the public is invited. Tours of the renovated T-STEM classrooms and labs are being given on the half hour. Games, giveaways, and food trucks are part of the attractions. Student registration for Shelby County Schools also available. In the photo above, that's Executive Principal Lischa Barrett ('91) Brooks leading the dancing on the driveway in front of the school.

June 24, 2017 - The first of two huge banners that are to be hung on the front of the East High School building is in place. This appears to be the one promoting East High and the T-STEM optional program generally. A school system source says the other promotes East High athletics.You can see larger photos of the banner and where it is affixed to the building here. [Correction: July 11, 2017 - The second banner is in place and rather than promoting East athletics, as The East High Alumni Page was told by a school district employee, it promotes the "T-STEM Academy" at East High.]

There is a "block party" for current students and alumni at East High School July 8, 3-7 p.m. according to information posted on social media. Organizers say there will be food, drinks, games, giveaways, school tours, and on-site school registration. Upon inquiry, an East High administrator reports this is an official school event. This event apparently was attempted June 24 and has been rescheduled as a rain date.  See https://www.facebook.com/events


Paul Young ('97) was a guest on "Behind the Headlines" television program which aired June 30. The topic was public housing in Memphis. Young is the Director of Housing and Community Development for the City of Memphis. The program may be seen within a few days via Internet streaming on the WKNO-TV and Memphis Daily News web sites. WKNO-TV, Jun. 30

Chas McVean ('61) has been ordered to pay civil penalty of $2 million by the  Commodity Futures Trading Commission what it calls deceptive trading by his McVean Trading & Investments company. The order states that McVean and others intentionally or recklessly injected false information into the market. In addition, the firm and others associated with the trading company have been fined another $3 million for a total of $5 in penalties.McVean has been known a civic leader in Memphis in recent years, starting the Peer Power Foundation and its predecessor, The Greater East High Foundation, to tutor school students and led the successful effort to build the Big River Crossing, a pedestrian and cycling path across the Mississippi River. The Commercial Appeal, Jul 1

July 17, 2017 - Huge banners are going up on the front of the original East High building. Workers today were attaching wooden frames for the banners to the bricks. One will be on the brick facade on the right side of the school and one on the left. They are being attached to the south end of the north-south oriented wings of the building. The East High Alumni Page has learned one banner will promote the new T-STEM program at East and the other will advertise the athletic programs at East. The banners could be up as early as this evening. This alumni web site will post photos of the banners once they are in place.

Marianne Kinsey, 99, of Nashville, Tennessee, mother of at least two alumni Charlotte Kinsey ('62) and David Kinsey ('69), died Tuesday, June 13. Visitation is 9-10 a.m, June 16 at Forest Hill Funeral Home - Midtown, Memphis. Funeral services follow at 10 a.m. at the funeral home.

Doris Forbess Cole, 95, mother of Barry Cole ('66) and Larry Cole ('66), died Saturday, June 10.
Visitation is 11 a.m - 1 p.m., Friday, June 16, at the River of Life Church, Munford, Tennessee. Funeral services follow immediately at 1 p.m. at the church.

David Martin Fargotstein, 35, of Memphis, son of Shep Fargotstein ('72), died Monday, June 5. Services were June 8, 2017.

Harry Eugene Concklin Jr., 91, father of Biff Concklin ('69), died Saturday, June 3. Services were June 6.

Suzanne Poole Abraham Liles, 96, of Memphis, mother of  Tish Abraham ('64) and Jamille Abraham ('68), died Thursday, June 1. Services were held June 6.

Delayed report¹:Peggy Nash (associated with the Class of '63), sister of Judy Nash ('61), Nancy Nash ('70), and the late George Nash ('68), died March 27, 2017. An obituary is available.

Marcus Wimberly ['92 and Faculty] is the recipient of the Coach of the Year award at the Commercial Appeal's first Sports Awards program June 9.  He is head football coach. The East High boys basketball team was selected "Team of the Year." Both football and basketball teams won the state championship in their divisions this (2016-2017) school year.

Maynard Holt ('57), 77, of Nashville, Tennessee, brother of the late Edwin Holt ('61), died Wednesday, May 17. An obituary is available. Services were private.

May 20, 2017 - Fellow alumni: we now have 121 new members of the distinguished group known as graduates of East High School as the Class of 2017 completed the 67th commencement exercise of the school. Held at First Baptist Church Broad this afternoon, a short, 48 minute ceremony from opening to closing procession, featured only speeches from students. Dr. Marilyn Hilliard, principal, congratulated each graduate as they received their diplomas. Three class members met the ACT benchmarks which is designed to indicate college readiness. The class generated $3.5 million in scholarship offers.


The East High School Class of 1967 is celebrated the 50 year anniversary of its graduation with festivities May 19-20 with a great turnout! The initial photos have been posted — more wanted!  Class of 1967 Reunion Page

First Substantive Look at East High T-STEM Program Afforded At Open House

$2.59 million renovation
proposed for East High

January 18, 2017 - The administration of Shelby County Schools proposes a $2,596,500.00 renovation of East High School as part of  its "Fresh Start" plan preparing the school to transition to a fully optional STEM school beginning with the ninth grade late this summer. The money will be allocated for mechanical, electrical and lighting upgrades as well as exterior and interior renovations. The school district's officials say they will be asking the Shelby Commission for the funds.
   The school district has published a flyer promoting the new optional East High STEM program. You can read it on-line at the SCS web site.
   The East High Alumni Page will continue its extensive coverage of the proposed conversion of East High into a STEM optional school with new developments occurring frequently. See additional coverage in news briefs below and on our Today's East High page.

East High STEM Plan
Next Steps

January 12, 2017 - The East High Alumni Page has spoken with the administration of Shelby County Schools about the status of the East High STEM proposal.
    The SCS administration expects to implement the plan effective with the start of the 2017-2018 school year barring unexpected opposition. It is believed that the members of the Board of Education support the plan. While there may be some opposition by those who currently live in the East High attendance zone, since they or their children might have to attend another school, the administration does not expect any such opposition to derail the proposal.   
    The plan is expected to be discussed at the January 24, 2017, Board of Education Work Session which begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Coe building Auditorium, 160 South Hollywood Street, Memphis. No votes are taken and members of the public are not permitted to speak to the board at the Work Session.
    The administration does not plan to bring up the East STEM proposal at the Board of Education “business meeting” which begins at 5:30 p.m.  January 31. The administration believes, as most observers do, that the proposal to transition East High into a STEM optional school does not require a vote of the board. Votes of the board are taken at the business meeting sessions and the public is also allowed a limited opportunity to speak to the board members during the business meeting. Members of the public wishing to speak at the business meeting must sign up before the meeting begins. A sign up sheet is available from about 5 to 5:30 p.m.
    The administration does not propose to change the name of East High, at least initially. There has been some discussion among board members previously about altering the name if the STEM proposal is implemented.
    As reported elsewhere on these pages, the East High STEM proposal calls for the transition to occur year by year, grade by grade, beginning with the ninth grade in 2017. The administration foresees the probability of East having two principals during the transition phase, one for the STEM students and one for the traditional students. In an earlier post here, it was disclosed a job opportunity posting has been issued by the school district for a principal of East High to oversee the school as "a local, regional, and national model focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math in Transportation Based Careers (T-STEM).” Also previously reported here, the district has published an estimate that there will be 100 seats available for students in the ninth grade STEM program at East beginning with the fall semester, 2017.
    For more background, follow the links in the above story and those below to additional links to some of the previously published stories.

See also our consolidated page of East STEM reports.

Plans for East's Future Murkie?
Newspaper: "The plan to turn one of Memphis’ most iconic high schools into an optional STEM school has gotten murkier after not making the cut for a federal grant.
"Shelby County Schools did not receive a U.S. Department of Education grant sought to redesign East High School as a magnet school focused on science, technology, engineering and math, a district spokeswoman confirmed Wednesday." (The Commercial Appeal, Oct. 12/13, 2016
Superintendent Dorsey Hopson has told The East High Alumni Page within the past few weeks that the administration planed to pursue the STEM plans for East regardless of the status of the grant.

Kathleen "Kitty" Gleaves Bragg, mother of Laura Bragg ('67), died on Wednesday, October 5. A memorial service was held October 8, 2016, in Kansas City, Missouri.

"Although Shelby County Schools didn’t get a federal grant for a new optional school program at East High, the school system is still likely to continue with the ambitious plan." (Memphis Daily News, Oct. 13/14, 2016.
The East High Alumni Page previously reported that SCS administration intended to pursue the STEM magnet school at East regardless of the success or lack of success of the grant application.

Superintendent Prepared to Reveal Plans for East High's Future
Fifty and sixty years ago East High School was one of the premier academic public schools in the mid-south region. In more recent decades, East's academic performance has fallen. In the past couple of years, so has attendance. East now has about 550 pupils attending its 9-12 grades. It has been pointed out that the trend in attendance and academic performance, if continued, would put East on the list for possible closure. Instead, the Shelby County School district proposes to address the academics with hopes it will build attendance. At the September 27, 2016, Board of Education meeting, superintendent Dorsey Hopson said he is ready to reveal those plans next week. Read more...
Update: As of Oct. 5, the office of the board members reports no Academic Performance Committee meeting has been scheduled.

Sue Tushingham ('55), Vivian Garland ('54), and Butch Bassett (class association unknown) were among the women pictured supporting Dwight Eisenhower's second term presidential bid in 1956.  The photo was republished Oct. 11, 2016 as a Mid-South Memory.  Larger photo.
The Commercial Appeal, Oct. 11, 2016

Jack Childers ('67), died Monday, October 3. An obituary is available. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 7, at Hope Presbyterian Church, Memphis.

During the month of October, 2016, the Shelby County School system will be holding a series of community based events called "Greater Schools, Greater Community." It is designed to "find out exactly what our families, community leaders and all of you define as high quality schools." It appears a meeting will be held in the district of each school board members. Board member Teresa Jones represents the district in which East High is located. The meeting in her district is October 19, 2016, 5:30pm, at the : Gaisman Community Center,  4221 Macon Road. See the SCS calendar for other dates, times, and locations.

Class of '57 announces 2017 reunion!

Jackie McCormack ('63), 72 of Nashville, Tennessee, sister of East alumni  Sharon McCormack ('64), Joe McCormack ('60), Tony McCormack ('58), and the late Jimmy McCormack (associated with the Class of 1968), died Wednesday, September 21. An obituary is available. Visitation is 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. September 24, at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home, 9090 Highway 100, Nashville, Tennessee. A Nashville funeral service is at 1 p.m. September 24 at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home, 9090 Highway 100, Nashville, Tennessee. A reception: follows the funeral service in Nashville. A Memphis funeral service is at 1 p.m., September 30, at Church of the Holy Communion, 4645 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, Tennessee.

Delayed report:¹ Sue Williams ('61), 72, of Brandon, Mississippi, sister of at least two East alumni, Jerry Williams ('59) and Jimmy Williams (class association undetermined), died May 2, 2015. An obituary is available. reunion page for details.

Martha Ann Layman, 93, mother of at least one alumnus, her son Tommy Layman ('69),  died Sunday, September 11. Visitation is at 1:30 p.m. September 15 at Memorial Park Funeral Home, Memphis followed by a graveside service at 2:30 p.m. at Memorial Park.

Bill Earngey ('61), 73, of Eureka Springs, Arkansas,  brother of at least one East alumnus, Lynn Earngey ('58),  died August 21, 2016. An obituary is available. A graveside service was held August 29, 2016.

Kenny Reasor ('54), 79, of Lakeland, Tennessee, died Wednesday, September 7.  An obituary is available. A family reception is at noon followed by a memorial service at 1 p.m. September 10, at Memorial Park Funeral Home, Memphis.

Bill Carrier ('68) has an exhibit of "my favorite images" on display at WKNO Gallery Ten Ninety One  at 7151 Cherry Farms Road through September 29.  "Expertise in lighting and art is the foundation of Bill Carrier’s visual images, both in still photography and cinematography. 'Technology has created a better medium' he says, 'but documentation is not always art, and trendy techniques don’t always evoke emotion.' Carrier believes that his artistic edge lies in his ability to elicit an emotional response from viewers."
http://www.wkno.org/gallery1091.html

On the front page of the Sept. 7, 2016, issue of The Commercial Appeal is a photo of Jimmy Ogle's Downtown History Walking Tour celebrating the 100th anniversary of the self-serv grocery invented by Memphian Clarence Saunders. In the photo is Allen Pilcher ('69) (in the red shirt) and Ken Welch ('68) (left background).  Photo.

Hubbard Alexander (Faculty), 77, died Sunday, August 28. He coached football at East High from 1972 through 1975. An obituary is available. Arrangements have not yet been announced.

James Lee Fox (Faculty), 70, of Memphis,  died August 12, 2016. An obituary is available.

The 30th annual Southern Music and Heritage Festival is September 3-4, 2016, organized by the Center for Southern Folklore. The co-founder and executive director of the Center is Judy Peiser ('63). In 2015, WKNO-TV aired a broadcast "A Conversation with Judy Peiser," in 2015, which can be viewed on-line at wkno.org.

Dorothy Duncan Storer, 92, of Shoreline, Washington, mother of East alumni Ed Storer ('68) and the late Scot Storer (associated with the Class of '71).

Gene Hill ('68), of Winston Salem, North Carolina, husband of Linda Richmond ('70), died Thursday, August 11 . An obituary is available. Funeral services are at 2 p.m., Tuesday, August 16  at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Winston Salem, North Carolina. A reception follows the service at the church. Burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 20 in Polk Cemetery, Bolivar, Tennessee. A
reception follows at McNeal Place, South Union Street at Bills Street, Boliver, Tennessee, after the burial.

Lee Evans (class  year undetermined), 41, is a music producer and the program coordinator for the Carpenter Community Bike Shop in Binghamton. Evans and the shop are featured in a newspaper article about trying to improve the opportunities in the Binghamton community. The Commercial Appeal, Aug. 15/16.⁴

Newspaper: "East High football coach Marcus Wimberly ['92 and Faculty] spent preseason drills in a walking boot thanks a torn Achilles tendon, a setback he jokingly called 'an old man injury.'"  Wimberly is extensively quoted in a preview of the Mustangs football season. The Commercial Appeal, Aug. 14/15.⁴

Commentary:  On WKNO-TV's public affairs program "Behind the Headlines" aired July 29,  Bartlett School District Superintendent David Stephens agreed with the Germantown superintendent Jason Manuel  saying that "ACT is kind of the gold standard," in student testing. The nationwide ACT test is mandatory for juniors in Tennessee high schools, although it is not mandatory in all other states. The East High Alumni Page has for many years thought the ACT was the one appropriate measure of academic achievement which allows comparison not only among schools in the state and nationwide, but also historically. That's why this web publication emphasizes the ACT when it reports the academic performance of East High and other local schools.WKNO-TV, Jul. 20,  The Memphis Daily News,  August 2.

Harriet Sue Feinstein ("Susie") ('59), sister of at least two East alumni Shirley Feinstein ('51) and Jeannie Feinstein (class year undetermined), died Sunday, July 24. An obituary is available. Services were held July 25, 2016, in Tuscon, Arizona.

Meka Egwuekwe (associated with the Class of '91) is featured in a newspaper article about his formally learning to program computers at East High and crediting his career to that. After years in the corporate world, Egwuekwe is back in Memphis as executive director of CodeCrew, a local startup that mentors young African Americans, Latino Americans, and women in computer coding. The Memphis Flyer, Jul 27/28.⁴

Mary Nell Campbell Smith, 88, of Collierville, Tennessee, mother of at least three East alumni: Patty Smith ('67), Dickie Smith ('70), Kathy Smith ('71), died Saturday, July 16. Services were  July 21.

Susan Miller ('66) is pictured and extensively quoted and Wendy Miller ('69), and Bubba Miller ('71) are mentioned in a newspaper article about art by their father "Happy Hal" Miller on sale, along with other things of the estate. Hal Miller died in 1987 and his widow, Bea Miller, in February, 2016. Probably all Memphians of a certain age remember "Happy Hal" as he was a popular Memphis children's television show host in the 1950s, 60s, and early 70s. He also was the owner of his namesake toy store. The Commercial Appeal, Jul. 20/22.⁴

WYPL (FM 89.3 in Memphis) is running a promotional announcement for a program featuring recordings from the Memphis Public Library's Memphis Music Collection. The library operates the radio station. The promo names a number of Memphis musicians, including David Mayo ('67).

Robbie J. Webb, 94, of Memphis, mother of Wayne Webb ('59), Joyce Webb ('63), Mike Webb ('69) and the late Jackie Webb ('66), died Saturday, July 9. Visitation is 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 13 at Memorial Park Funeral Home, Memphis.
Funeral services are at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 14 at the funeral home.

Paul Young ('97), Memphis Director of Community and Housing Development is quoted in a newspaper story about replacing the city's last old housing "projects" with the new "South City" development. The Commercial Appeal, Jul. 9/10.⁴

Sam Pearson, father of Liz Pearson ('68) and Becky Pearson ('70), died July 1. Services were July 8.

Judy Peiser ('63), executive director of  the Center for Southern Folklore, was the guest on WKNO-FM's "Checking on the Arts" program June 30 talking about its Memphis Music & Heritage Festival which is scheduled for September3-4.

Betsye Fowler French, 98, of Memphis, mother of Barbara French ('66), Betty French ('67), and Jeanne French ('69) , died June 18, 2016. Services were held June 21, 2016.

Judy Briggs (‘67) Watters, mayor of Rossville, Tennessee, is interviewed as part of a story about the Eggo plant in Rossville planning on reducing the number it employs. "The fact they're not shutting the plant down completely is a big deal," said Judy Watters, mayor of the Fayette County town of about 900 residents.

Jerry Rakestraw, 67, husband of Carol Leggett ('69), died Wednesday, June 8. A  "family service" is at 2 p.m. June 18 at First Baptist Church, Memphis.

Letter to the Editor- East High brimming with STEM possibilities: "I welcome Superintendent Dorsey Hopson and the Shelby County Schools’ plan to turn East High School into a magnet school focused on science, technology, engineering and math (May 25 article). East’s campus and location make it a perfect candidate for a program like this..."
The Commercial Appeal, Jun 5

Sue Douglass, 90, of Memphis, mother of Doug Douglass ('68), Chuck Douglass ('70), Steve Douglass ('73), and Mike Douglass (class association unknown), died Thursday, June 2. A memorial service is at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 7, in St. Edward Chapel at Trezevant Manor, 177 N Highland Street, Memphis.

The Shelby County Board of Education May 31 approved without debate a resolution supporting an application for a federal grant to make East High School a T-STEM (Transportation, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)  magnet school " See a BOE document explaining the proposal.
Read more...

Virginia McClain (Faculty 1964-1972)  died Wednesday,  May 25. An obituary is available. Ms. McClain taught mathematics at East High 1964-1972.

School district continues idea of making East a STEM school to prevent possible closing in a few years.
As reported here in January, the Shelby County School system is considering making East High a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math  magnet school. The administration  of the district anticipates seeking a federal grant to assist in the transition.  "If we don't do something, I expect in three to five years you start getting to the discussion of closure-level low," Superintendent Dorsey Hopson  said May 24, 2016. "It's low but it's not so low we're talking about that."
In April, the school reported having 554 students. The building's capacity is probably about 1,500 and originally was designed for grades 1-12 and even housed a kindergarten in the 1950s.  The school now houses only grades 9-12 and mixes a traditional curriculum with an optional (magnet) college preparatory curriculum in Engineering. Read more.
Sources: The Commercial Appeal, The East High Alumni Page

The Class of 1967 has announced its 50-year reunion dates: May 19-20, 2017

Ray Henley ('56), 77, died Friday, May 20.
An obituary is available. Visitation is 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, May 25 at  Christ United Methodist Church, Memphis. Funeral services follow immediately at 2 p.m. at the church.

John Eubank ('68), 66, brother of Sam Eubank ('66), Danny Eubank ('69), and Stephen Eubank ('73), died Sunday, May 22. An obituary is available. Visitation is 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Thursday, May 26 at Fellowship Baptist Church, 7002 US Highway 70, Bartlett, Tennessee.
Funeral services follow immediately at 12:30 p.m. at the church.

Kitty Mathes, 92, mother of Linda Mathes (associated with the Class of 1968) and the late Talbot Mathes ('63), died Thursday, May 12. A memorial service will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 28 at Memorial Park Funeral Home, Memphis.

Bob Johnson ('64), 70, of Coldwater, Mississippi, brother of at least one East alumnus, Kathy Johnson ('62), died Sunday, May 15. An obituary is available. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

The 66th Commencement Exercise of East High School took place May 22, 2016.  One hundred forty-eight students were graduated. This was the first East High graduation for interim principal Dr. Marilyn Hilliard.  Read more on our Today's East High page.

Shelby County Schools will present its Proposed Fiscal Year 2017 Budget (school year 2016-2017) to the County Commission May 25. This year, the district released individual school spending and statistics. East High is proposed to receive $2,447,321 from the general fund, have 16 classroom teachers for a pupil population of 552, and a teacher-student ratio of 1:33. The budget is subject to revision for numerous reasons, including how much the County Commission votes to fund. See the chart outlining East's operating budget.
The East High Alumni Page cannot help but notice how close the FY17 operating budget figure is to the amount it cost to build the school originally ($2,485,397.07).

May 11, 2016 - Some e-mail traffic from an EastHighAlumni@gmail.com address has been noted. That address is not associated with The East High Alumni Page. Some of those messages or bounce back messages purportedly associated with that address contain attachments. It is suggested you not open those attachments.

Rush Siler (Faculty c1948-1951), 99, of Jackson, Tennessee, father of East alumnus Van Siler ('67),  died April 26. An obituary is available.
Services were held May 1, 2016.

Paul Young ('97), Director of Community and Housing Development for the City of Memphis, was this week's guest on WKNO-TV's "Behind the Headlines" program. The half hour interview program will be available to watch on-line in a few days at WKNO-TV.

Class of '61 will hold a class gathering October 8 to celebrate 55-years since graduation! For more information see the Class of '61 Reunion Page.

East High is asking its alumni to help support a "book scholarship" fund to provide $250 for 2016 East graduates who are headed to college. Alumni are invited to attend the fund-raising luncheon June 4 at the Kroc Center. For more information including ticket arrangements, see the East High Scholarships website.

Richard Jones ('68), 65, of Memphis, died Monday, March 28. An obituary is available. A memorial service was held April 1, 2016.

The East High Class of 1966 has announced its plans for its 50th anniversary reunion to be held October 21-22, 2016. See details.

Alumni invited to a planning meeting April 7 at noon at East High School to discuss a scholarship luncheon May 21st in efforts to offer book awards to 50 deserving seniors who have been accepted and enrolled in post-secondary institutions. Please contact the school to RSVP.

Bob Frank ('62) performed at the Glendale Folk Festival in Arizona in March, 2016. A few of his selections are recorded on youtube, and just for enjoyment,you are invited to listen:
Riverboat Gambler, Anna Maria, Love Turns the Wheel, Coyote Mind, and Joaquin Murietta.

Peggy Ranson ('66), 67, of New Orleans, Louisiana, sister of at least one East alumnus, Bob Ranson ('67),  died Saturday, March 19. An obituary is available. A memorial service is to be held at a later date.

Delayed report¹: Freddie Dauser ('54), 79, of Springville, Alabama, died July 19,2015. An obituary is available.

Executive Director Tommie  Henderson ('91 and Faculty 1998-2003), says he cannot comment on what appears to be a recommendation from the Shelby County Schools administration to revoke  the New Consortium of Law and Business charter.  The item is on the agenda for discussion at the Board of Education's March 22 work session, although no formal action could be taken at a work session. The administration had concerns about the charter school last year but the board voted to allow it to continue. The school conducts classes in downtown Memphis and in Bartlett.  The Commercial Appeal, March 19/20.

East High won the 2016 state championship in boys basketball (Division I, Class AAA) Saturday, March 19, defeating Cordova 64-60. It is reported that East is the only school in the state to have won the state championship seven times, the first in 1979. Source: The East High Alumni Page.
Also see the newspaper report: The Commercial Appeal

At the Feb. 23 meeting of the Shelby County Board of Education a grant from Verizon for $20,000 was accepted. It is said to support building “on engineering related assets already in place at East High School (e.g., CAD software, an engineering computer lab, and postsecondary partnerships) and links those assets to CLOUD901... a technology lab for teens ... Teachers will then have the opportunity to collaboratively design lessons with... focus of ... design, production, and publicity for a solar-powered car.” The Cloud901 lab is located at the Memphis central public library just west of the East High Campus. Source: The East High Alumni Page.
Link for additional information

Bernice Eger Miller, 92, of Memphis, mother of Susan Miller ('66), Wendy Miller ('69), Bubba Miller ('71), and the late Allen Miller ('65), died Saturday, February 13. Services were held February 21, 2016.

Nuggie Treadwell ('69), 65, brother of Bob Treadwell ('67), died Saturday, February 27. An obituary is available. Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Friday, March 4 at the chapel at Elmwood Cemetery, Memphis.

In the neighborhood: As earlier reported, Sears sold the property and then the lease for the store was terminated for the Sears Laurelwood location. It is now reported the Sears building will be demolished and replaced with additional stores, including a Nordstrom Rack store. Known as Poplar Commons, the newly developed shopping center will include national retailers, specialty retail and several well-known restaurants, developers said in a news release.. The Commercial Appeal, March 2.

Shelby County Schools superintendent Dorsey Hopson said on WKNO-TV's "Behind the Headlines" program aired Feb. 26 that he still wants to do "something special" at East High School. He was answering a question about concerns some Board of Education members have expressed about the affect on other schools, including East, if SCS participates in placing a school in the renovated Crosstown Concourse (the old Sears Crosstown building on Watkins Street in midtown).
As reported here, Hopson has suggested East may become a STEM/STEAM  (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) magnet school but he has said any such transition won't happen until the 2017-2018 school year.
For many years East has been an optional (magnet) school for engineering and health sciences but in recent years participation in those programs at East has been very low. In fact, enrollment at East is probably at an all time low this academic year with  a reported 551 pupils in attendance. Source: WKNO-TV, The East High Alumni Page

George Grear ('69), 64, of Olive Branch, Mississippi, died Sunday, February 7. An obituary is available. Services were held February 10.

The locker room is now a lounge at East, according to a newspaper article. "The final bell at East High School rings at 2:15 p.m. While most students are making their way out of the building, the Mustangs boys' basketball team is preparing for a session with their tutors. It's a game night and East is playing host to Overton, but the players have to make sure they are taking care of business in the classroom beforehand. 'Education is first,' says East coach Penny Hardaway. 'We are really big on that over here.' Read more: Memphis Flyer,  Feb. 11

Beth Wagner ('55) was featured in a newspaper photo Feb. 7, 1954, as an entrant in the Miss City Beautiful contest. The photo was republished as in the Mid-South Memories section in 2016. The Commercial Appeal, Feb. 7 Leslie Robert Clark, 80,  died Saturday January 23. An obituary is available. Services are private.

Are tentative plans for East High to become a STEAM school even more tentative?
   During a Shelby County Board of Education Facilities Committee meeting January 27, one of the topics was possible student school assignment changes, including changes for East High as the administration was still considering making it a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math magnet school for the 2017-2018 school year.
   As board members discussed the shifts away from East that might occur for those not enrolled in the optional STEAM program, those in attendance seemed to reach a consensus that an overall look at high school attendance zones, number of students attending each school, and other factors affecting school attendance assignments in the central part of the city should be conducted. Superintendent Hopson had said he was looking for board input on these matters and he appeared to accept the direction the committee favored.
   So the shifts of East students to make way for the school to become a STEAM academy and the possibility of East changing over to a STEAM magnet school seem to be in more flux than they were before

The University of Memphis M Club will honor four special award winners festivities on Friday, Feb. 5. Bob Wilson ('62) and his wife Susan. are this year's recipients of the Dr. Cecil C. Humphreys Golden Tiger Award. Bob Wilson has spent his entire upbringing in a home of hospitality and business. The son of the late Kemmons Wilson, he obtained his pilot's license at 16. For the last 46 years, he has worked for the family's business, The Kemmons Wilson Companies. His primary role has been in the area of construction of hotels, warehouses, and time-shares, and Fixed Base Operations for Aircraft. He is married to Susan Wilson who worked as a physical therapist primarily with children with developmental delays for 25 years. In 1998, she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Master of Arts in Religion from Memphis Theological Seminary.
gotigersgo.com


From time to time the question has arisen in this editor’s mind, where are the East High alumni among leaders in the public arena?
Judy Briggs (‘67), now Judy Watters, is an East alumnus who has taken on that role in the town of Rossville, Tennessee, where she was elected mayor for a four year term with 54.5% of the vote in 2012. Rossville is a town of about 700 people in Fayette County, about 23 straight line miles east of East High School.

East High was briefly mentioned in the news because some Shelby County Board of Education members on Jan. 19 questioned what affect a Christian Brothers University lead high school in the Crosstown Concourse (the old Crosstown Sears building on Watkins Street) would have. CBU is already a partner with Shelby County Schools at the Maxine Smith STEM Academy (the old Fairview Junior High). The Shelby County Superintendent Dorsey Hopson has floated a proposal to make East, which is very underutilized with about 551 students this year in grades 9-12, a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineer, Arts, and Math) magnet school. Hopson told the board members he thought there would be enough demand for the STEAM curriculum to populate both schools. Originally Hopson was talking about the transition of East into a STEAM school for the 2016-2017 school year. The East High Alumni Page has learned he now thinks that will be for the 2017-2018 school year. "We want to do it right," he said. Sources: The Memphis Daily News, Jan.  20/21, The East High Alumni Page

In the neighborhood: The Sears store in Laurelwood shopping center at Poplar Avenue and Perkins Extended will close in April, 2016. The Sears real estate was sold to an investment trust last year for  $8.2-million, as were more than 200 other Sears and K-Mart stores. with Sears leasing back the store in Laurelwood. The new owner had the right to terminate the lease early and has done so, leading to the closing. “I worked here when I was in college ... then I worked at the Sears on Crosstown which is also closed, as did my mother and my brother. It makes me sad that it is closing,” said Laurie Holland, who visited the store Jan. 14. The Commercial Appeal, Jan 15.

The East High boys basketball team is the top-ranked team in The Commercial Appeal's Dandy Dozen and has a season record of 13 wins and one loss. The Mustangs  defeated nationally ranked Bentonville (Arkansas)   73-65 on Jan. 9. The Associated Press ranks East number one statewide for the Class AAA category.

------ 2015 ------ 

Brenda Carpenter ('64), sister of alumni Brinson Carpenter (associated with the Class of '65), Elizabeth Carpenter ('66), and the late Janet Carpenter (class association undetermined), died Saturday, December 26. An obituary is available. No service information was available at time of publication.

Bob J. Hazlewood (Faculty 1955-1957) died Thursday, December 17. Dr. Hazlewood taught English at East High. An obituary is available. Services were held December 20, 2015, in Jackson, Tennessee.

Carol Gearhart ('65), sister of  Steve Gearhart ('66), died Thursday, December 24. An obituary is available. Visitation is 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, December 29 at Canale Funeral Directors, Memphis. Funeral services follow immediately at 2 p.m. at the funeral home.

Interesting tidbit: On school days the East High student parking area is mostly empty but on Saturday, January 2, one can find the East High School parking lot full of cars. Why? The Liberty Bowl football game is this afternoon and with the game being sold out with some 61,000 seats, the city offered free shuttle service from various locations, including the main public library at 3030 Poplar Avenue. By early afternoon, the library's parking lot was full, so the next public lot was East High's. Free shuttle service is great for game attendees, not so good for those wishing to use the public library but not able to find a parking spot in the neighborhood.

A recently completed 2015 Facilities Condition Index of Shelby County Schools put East High's rating at 7%. Generally speaking, when a facility reaches the 50% or above mark it is considered more economical to build a new facility rather than renovate the old one. East High underwent a $12.8-million dollar renovation about 2005-2007. Some other school FCI ratings:  White Station High: 12%; Cordova High: 4%; Germantown High: 23%; Southwind High: 0 (zero)%; Douglass High: 1%; Kingsbury High: 6%; Central High: 4%; Trezevant High: 24%; Grahamwood Elementary: 23%; Delano Elementary 53%.

Correction of False Report: the report earlier today (Dec. 11) of an East High student being arrested in connection with a telephone threat was incorrect. Several news media outlets reported the arrest, one directly attributing the report to law enforcement authorities. However, subsequent reports this evening say no one was arrested and the call earlier reported as threatening was instead a call expressing concern for the safety of a relative.

Delayed report¹: Delores Mason ('60), sister of Linda Mason ('70), died December 31, 1994. An obituary is available.

Lucile Wilson Fesmire, mother of James Fesmire ('65), died Sunday, November 1. Visitation is 10:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 10 at Memorial Park Funeral Home, Memphis. Services follow immediately at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home.

The annual "state report card" on public schools has been released and once again East's academic performance overall is low. For Example, the composite ACT score at East was 15.2. That equates to about an 11.2 in pre-1989 ACT scores.  Read more in our report on our Today's East High page.


The Shelby County School Board tonight, Sept. 15, discussed a possible change in focus for East High School. Superintendent Dorsey Hopson asked the board if it would endorse the staff exploring making East a STEAM academy drawing students from across the city. STEAM schools emphasize advanced classes in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. Read our full report on our "In the news ..." section.

Diane Rudner('68) (left), Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Plough Foundation; David Porter, Founder and President, Consortium Memphis Music Town; Mike Bruns, Founder and former president of Comtrak; Phil Trenary, President and CEO, Greater Memphis Chamber; and George Monger, Vice President and Executive Director, Consortium Memphis Music Town, have a ribbon cutting ceremony during the opening of the Consortium's Talent Development Complex at 119 S. Main St. on Tuesday, Oct. 27. The Commercial Appeal Oct. 27/28.

Delayed report¹: Diana Harris ('67), sister of East alumnus Georgina Harris ('65), died February 3, 2011, in Winter Haven, Florida.
An obituary is available.

Richard Rosebrough ('67) , brother of Helen Rosebrough ('65), died Sunday, October 18. An obituary is  available in the form of a newspaper story about his music history in Memphis. "'Richard was a wonderful person, and an extraordinary musician,' said Big Star drummer and Ardent Studio CEO Jody Stephens. 'As a drummer, he was a guy who could conjure emotion with his playing like nobody else that I know.'"
Visitation is at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 24 at Memorial Park Funeral Home, Memphis.
A memorial service follows at noon at the funeral home. The Commercial Appeal, Oct. 19/20, 2015

Pettus Gibbons ("Pete") ('67), 67, of Irving, Texas, died Wednesday, October 7, 2015. An obituary is available.

Ethelda Owens ('55), 78, of Brighton, Tennessee, sister of Carolyn Owens ('57), died Tuesday, October 6. An obituary is available. Services were held October 9, 2015, in Bartlett, Tennessee.

Matthew Aaron Burson, 35, of Memphis, son of  Freddy Burson ('68), died Saturday, October 3. Services  Thursday October 8 at St. John's United Methodist.

In the neighborhood: the Krystal restaurant at 3227 Poplar Avenue, across from East High School, was a major hang out for East students. It has been temporarily closed and the existing structure has been demolished. Krystal will rebuild with the new structure opening in late December, 2015. The new facility will feature wood grain-like floors and and an interior digital menu board. This model is being built in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and Florida, either through rebuilding or renovating existing restaurants. The new store will be the third iteration of the Krystal at this location. The original building stood until replaced in 1977.

Billy Minkus (associated with the Class of '68),  died Friday, September 25. An obituary is available. A graveside service is at: 9:30 a.m., Sunday, October 4 at Memorial Park Cemetery, Memphis.

Frances Freeman Newell, 94, of Memphis, Tennessee, mother of Linda Newell ('59), Ginger Newell ('63), and Ned Newell ('69), died Friday, September 25. A memorial service will be held Thursday, October 1 at Trinity Episcopal Church, Natchez, Mississippi.

Marcus Wimberly ('92 and Faculty) is quoted in a newspaper article about East football beating Trezevant 38-12 and being ranked number 2 in the paper's evaluation of local high school teams. "'We're resilient,' said Mustangs coach Marcus Wimberly. 'This team feels like it doesn't get the respect it deserves around the city and Trezevant is a heck of a team. They wanted to put other teams on notice.'" The Commercial Appeal, Oct. 10

Chas McVean ('61) is quoted in a newspaper story praising Memphis mayor A C Wharton for being a "great, great salesman for the city of Memphis" in connection with the Great River Crossing project putting a walkway across the Harahan bridge. McVean was speaking upon the occasion Oct. 8 of Wharton's defeat in his reelection bid. The Commercial Appeal, Oct 9.


Fights among girls at East High reported: A fight at East High School ended with an injury to one teen, and now her mother wants answers. That mother called FOX13 about her daughter allegedly being beat up by another group of girls Tuesday.WHBQ-TV, Oct. 1


East wins Homecoming football game Oct. 2, 26-6 over Craigmont High. A couple more photos are posted.
Kip Lichterman ('67), 66, of Memphis, brother of at least two alumni, Ira Lichterman ('61) and Lynne Lichterman ('63), died Tuesday, September 22. An obituary is available. Funeral services are at 3 p.m. Thursday, September 24, at Levy-Cooper Chapel, Temple Israel Cemetery, Memphis.

Anne Williford Hasselle, 97, mother of Bob Hasselle ('60), Henry Hasselle ('63), Tom Hasselle ('66), and Wendy Hasselle (associated with the Class of '70), died Saturday, September 12. Services are at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, September 26 at, First Presbyterian Church, Memphis with a reception following the service.

Jim Tackett ('59), brother of the late Tom Tackett ('53) , died September 16. An obituary is available. Services were September 20, 2015, in Aliceville, Alabama.

Jessica Wilson ('70), 63, of Carthage, Tennessee, sister of Laura Wilson (associated with the Class of '75), died Saturday, September 19. An obituary is available. A memorial service is at 7 p.m Friday, September 25 at Barren Plains Baptist Church, Springfield, Tennessee. A reception follows the service.

Frank Wilbourn ('72), died Thursday, September 17. An obituary is available. Services are at 2 p.m. Monday, September 21 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Memphis. A reception follows the service at the church.

Beth Gooch ('75) wrote a newspaper guest column about her recent reunion and her times at East High when integration through busing was first taking place. The article, entitled "The best, and baddest, of times," examines some of the experiences from those high school days and some of the lasting thoughts those days have left with the Class of '75 and perhaps beyond. The Commercial Appeal

Sept. 13. A group of 15 East High School students were reportedly kicked out of the STEM program and parents said they were never notified. STEM, an advanced learning program, stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. According to a parent of a student in the program, all those removed from STEM play football and manage to keep straight A's. He said they "make life changing decisions for our children and we are just not gonna stand for that...These children are tired. We do all we can as parents to push ‘em so that they will keep those A's and B's but also continue with the extracurricular activities. They shouldn't be punished for that." According to the parent, SCS has now reinstated the students in the program.
WATN-TV, Sep. 18.

Vivian Frankenfield Gragg, 93, of Memphis,mother of at least four East alumni, Judy Gregg ('63), Cathy Gragg ('65), Frances Gragg ('68), and Bobby Gragg ('73), died Thursday, September 3. A memorial service is at 1 p.m. Wednesday, September 9 in Trippeer Chapel at Idlewild Presbyterian Church, Memphis. A reception: follows the memorial service.

The East High Class of 1975 celebrates with their 40-year reunion this weekend, September 4-6. Event schedule is available on the Class of '75 reunion page.

Dr. Marilyn Hilliard is East High's new interim principal for the 2015-16 school year. Although we are unaware of an official announcement by the superintendent of her name, it is posted on the East High web site and therefore is now public. Hilliard is a ten year employee of the local public school system and has been an assistant principal for the past two years. Read more on our "In the news ..." page.


The Tennessee Department of Education released its 2015 academic report on East High and other schools July 29. East showed growth in only Algebra II and declines in 6 other tested subjects. See the numbers on our Today's East High page. (additional analysis added 7:10pm July 29)
In addition to the subject by subject academic progress scores the state released in July, there is also an assessment of the overall academic growth at the school compared to what was expected by each student. East ranked in the last category, meaning academic growth was well below what would be expected during one academic year. The "2015 Academic Performance Measurements Released by State" article on Today's East High page has been updated Aug. 8 with details of this measurement.

The East High football program, lead by alumnus Marcus Wimberly ('92 and Faculty), is ranked number 3 in a newspaper's prep preview for 2015. "There were times during the first part of last season when the best football team in Memphis wasn’t Whitehaven or Trezevant or MUS but the East High Mustangs...with a host of talented players returning, this could very well be the year the Mustangs... put it all together.  The Commercial Appeal, online Aug. 19/print Aug. 20.

East to Get New Principal
A new interim principal will take the position. formerly held by Eric Harris ('91 and principal 2010-2015) for the 2015-2016 school year, however the name of the new leader has not been publicly announced. In addition the superintendent of schools is considering a special direction for East in the future. The East High Alumni Page plans more coverage of the new principal once the announcement becomes public. Read more in our "In the news..." section.

John Neiman ('64), 69,  brother of Bob Neiman ('61) and Tom Neiman (associated with the Class of '70), died Friday, July 31. An obituary is available. Visitation: 3-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 12, 2015, Canterbury United Methodist Church, Birmingham, Alabama. Visitation is followed by a "family memorial service."

In the neighborhood: Loeb Properties, the successful outfit that revitalized Overton Square, has bought an entire block of buildings across from East High School. "Loeb paid $3.2 million for the Shops of Chickasaw Gardens with plans to renovate the rundown and foreclosed-upon hodgepodge of buildings that run... from Lafayette on the west to Marne on the east... Loeb not only plans substantial improvements, but to create a brand identity and cohesion for the property across Poplar from East High's athletic field."  One building in the group may be demolished. In the 1950s and 60s such businesses as Modern Music, Weona grocery, Bobbit-Dorr Drugs, The Hobby Shop, a barber shop, and other retail outlets.
 The Commercial Appeal, Aug 13.

Jerry Dumas ('58), 75, of Spearfish, South Dakota, brother of Bill Dumas ('64), died Friday, July 31. An obituary is available. Visitation is 6-8 p.m., Thursday, August 27 at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish, South Dakota. Funeral services are at 10 a.m., Friday, August 28 at  Mountain View Baptist Church, Spearfish, South Dakota.

Clark Webb ('67), 65, of Blacksburg, Virgina, died July 25, 2015. An obituary is available. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 15 at Blacksburg Presbyterian Church, Blacksburg, Virginia.

Bob Metcalf (associated with the Class of '59),  died Wednesday, July 22. An obituary is available. A memorial service is to be scheduled for a later date.

Tommie Henderson ('91 and Faculty 1998-2003), executive director of the charter school New Consortium of Law and Business, appeared before the Shelby County Board of Education July 28 to ask that it not approve a recommendation from the district's administration to revoke the charter school's authorization. The board voted to delay any consideration of closing the school until its regular timetable for considering closings, which is in the first quarter of the calendar year, giving the New Consortium of Law and Business the green light to start classes for the new school year in a few weeks. See more in our "In the News..." section
Additional report available from The Commercial Appeal, Jul. 29

A football player at East High School had to be taken to the hospital after overheating during practice. Monday, July 27, was the first day of practice with full pads this season, and one 14-year-old went down with heat exhaustion. Shelby County Schools said the player never passed out. He started showing signs of heat exhaustion and coaches decided to err on the side of caution.  WMC-TV, Jul. 27

Comments by Jimmy Tashie ('66), Malco Theatres executive vice president, regarding movie theater security are part of a newspaper story about that subject. The Commercial Appeal, online July 25/print July 26.

Diane Rudner ('68) is referenced as a subcommittee chairwoman for Fairgrounds Redevelopment Advisory Committee, a group formed by the city to look at the feasibility of recommendations for the use of the old Fairgrounds made by the Urban Land Institute. The Commercial Appeal, July 25.

Kathy Stark ('70), 63, died Thursday, July 16. An obituary is available. Visitation is 4-6 p.m.Sunday, July 19 at Covington Funeral Home, Covington, Tennessee. Funeral services are at 10 a.m. Monday, July 20 at the funeral home.

Martha Jo Shelton (associated with the Class of '64), sister of at least two brothers who attended East,  Frank Shelton (associated with the Class of '62) and the late Jimmy Shelton (class association undetermined), died June 19, 2015. An obituary is available. Services were June 29, 2015, in Ft. Smith, Arkansas.

LaVerne Tolley Gurley, 96, mother of Charlotte Gurley ('58) and Kenneth Gurley (associated with the Class of '64), died Saturday, July 11. Visitation is 5-7 pm, Wednesday, July 15 at Memorial Park Funeral Home, Memphis. Funeral services are at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 16 at the funeral home.

Rickey Glassman ('64) was among the notables who eulogized Judge D'Army Bailey at the judge and civil rights advocate's funeral in Memphis July 18. Glassman, a Memphis attorney, is quoted in a newspaper article: "Glassman recalled being both a courtroom adversary and close friend to Judge Bailey over the years. Bailey had a passion for Justice, he said, adding, 'D’Army showed those around him how to turn passion into action through his own example.'" Others speaking at the funeral included Memphis Mayor A C Wharton and former President of the United States Bill Clinton.
 The Commercial Appeal (on-line July 18, printed July 19).

Richard Allen Douglas (class year undetermined), 81, of Holly Springs, Mississippi, formerly of Memphis, Tennessee, died Saturday, July 4. An obituary is available. Services were held July 8, 2015.

Suzanne Ragsdale ('58), 74, sister of June Ragsdale ('52) and Mary Ragsdale ('57), died Thursday, July 2. An obituary is available. Services were held July 5, 2015.

Ralph Noyes ('68) was one of a number of citizens who appeared before the Memphis City Council July 7 to speak in favor of an ordinance creating a Civilian Law Enforcement Review Board. Although the measure was being considered on its third and final reading, the council delayed action on it for two weeks after changes were made and the police department asked for an opportunity to review the changes before the law was adopted. You may watch Noyes' comments at the city's web site,1  hour, 37 minutes, 45 seconds into the July 7 council video.
[Editor's note: it is always gratifying to see East High alumni participating in public debate and governmental forums after having educated themselves and expressing themselves in reasoned and civil way, regardless of topic or position taken. East alumni have much to contribute.]


Steve Rader ('68) is featured in a newspaper article about his patented "special stereo speaker...which provides music fans the ability to play their favorite songs at a high volume level and with no discernible distortion." Apparently an entrepreneur with broad interests, he also holds a holds the patent to his new Dr Peppermint candy.  The Southwest Times Record, on-line edition July 3.

Joe Weller ('62), 70, died Saturday, June 27. An obituary is available. Visitation is 5-7 p.m. Monday, June 29 at Memorial Park Funeral Home, Memphis. Funeral services are at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 30 at the funeral home.

Ken Chumney ('56), brother of Jim Chumney ('53), died Tuesday, June 23. An obituary is available. Visitation is at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 27 at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 N. Germantown Rd., Memphis. Funeral services follow at 2 p.m.at the funeral home.

The Mid-South Memories newspaper article of June 9 featured a photo of Roy Moore ('55), on the left in the picture, as co-winner of the first round of the state high school golf tournament in June, 1955. The Commercial Appeal, June 9 Delayed report:¹ Jane Collins ('68) died January 18, 2003. An obituary is available.

Martha D. Huddleston, mother of  Sandra Huddleston ('67) and Nancy Huddleston ('69), died Tuesday, June 2. Visitation is 1:30-2:30 p.m. Monday, June 8 at Memorial Park Funeral Home, Memphis Funeral services follow immediately at 2:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Diana Carr (associated with the Class of '56), 76, died Saturday, June 6. An obituary is available.
Visitation is 5-7 p.m., Monday, June 8 in Parish Hall at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Memphis. Funeral services are at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9 at the church.

Tommie Henderson ('91 and Faculty), executive director of the charter school New Consortium of Law and Business, is quoted in a newspaper story about the school missing payroll due to a "cash flow" problem. The Commercial Appeal, June 10.

In the neighborhood/city:  USAToday: Memphis: "booming city... the nation’s finest collection of attractions for music buffs...Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid, a Vegas-style architectural fantasy that combines a huge Bass Pro retail store, the Ducks Unlimited Water Fowling Heritage Center museum, a 32-story high outdoor observation deck, the 120-room Big Cypress Lodge hotel, and the Cypress Swamp Waterfowl Habitat" See our Visiting Memphis section and/or read the newspaper story at USAToday.

Gene Carlisle ('60), 72, died May 29, 2015.
An obituary is available. Visitation is at 10 a.m. Monday, June 1 at Independent Presbyterian Church, Memphis, with funeral services following immediately at 11:30 a.m. at the church.
There are also news stories about Gene Carlisle's passing at Memphis Daily News, The Commercial Appeal.

Diane Nations ('64), 69, of Jackson, Mississippi, died May 26, 2015. An obituary is available. Services were May 29.

Larry Byrd ('73), 60, brother of Dianne Byrd Waddell ('66); Walice "Eddie" Byrd ('70) and Michael Byrd ('72), died Wednesday, May 27. An obituary is available. Visitation is  4-7 p.m., Saturday, May 30 at Memorial Park Funeral Home, Memphis. Funeral services are at 2 p.m., Sunday, May 31 at the funeral home.

William "Bill" Rader, father of at least two East alumni, Steve Rader ('68) and Debbie Rader (class year association undetermined), died Wednesday, May 27. Services are private.

Delayed report:¹ Margaret Powers ('55), 76, died June 21, 2014. An obituary is available.

Margaret Taylor (Faculty) died Sunday, May 17. Mrs. Taylor was primarily a math teacher at East High (East Junior High) from 1955 to 1969. She became a renowned principal at Grahamwood Elementary thereafter. After she retired she spent many years back at East tutoring and guiding the peer tutoring program created by the East High Foundation. Mrs. Taylor is listed in The East High Alumni Page's Hall of Honor. An obituary is available. A newspaper story is available at The Commercial Appeal. Visitation is 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 20 at Memorial Park Funeral Home, Memphis. Funeral services are at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 21 at the funeral home.


Steve Stern's  ('65)  latest book is reviewed in the Memphis general circulation newspaper with the following comments, "read 'The Pinch' — subtitled, purposefully if confusingly, 'A History/a novel" — and your spirit will soar, buoyed by Stern’s fireworks displays of language, sense of humor, deep knowledge of Jewish folklore and culture, appreciation of Memphis history, unflagging energy, colorful Yiddish vocabulary and free-flowing imagination.The book is about the once thriving immigrant neighborhood of The Pinch, the northern end of downtown Memphis. The author will be in Memphis Thursday, June 4 to read from and sign copies of  the book 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Burke’s Book Store, 936 S. Cooper. The Commercial Appeal, May 31. WKNO-FM conducted an interview with Steve Stern and aired it June 4. It is available at wknofm.org

Kay Rossen ('64), 69, of Germantown, Tennessee, sister of Skippy Rossen ('69, died Thursday, May 14. An obituary is available. Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Sunday, May 17 at Beth Sholom Synagogue, Memphis.

Kristin Walker ('99) is featured in the May 25 "I Choose Memphis" article in the Memphis Daily News. She says she has  "cultivated a deeper appreciation and commitment to Memphis in ways that I never imagined." She goes on to say, "[T]here is something to do every single day of the week in Memphis, and everything is easy to find."  Memphis Daily News, May 25.

Delayed report:¹  Debbie Gibson (associated with the Class of '68), sister of Susan Gibson ('70) and Faye Gibson ('72), died January 6, 2011. An obituary is available.

In a major expansion, Chas McVean ('61) is selecting East High and Whitehaven High for his expanded tutoring program. His his plan is to provide high schools with 1,000 hours of paid tutoring a week, enough to staff every single Algebra I, Biology I and English I classroom with three accomplished college students. McVean’s model is Peer Power, the after-school tutoring program he set up and funded at East High a decade ago."We know what we were able to do on an after-school voluntary basis... The kids are tired in the afternoon; it wasn’t mandatory. There were scheduling issues around sports. And some had to go home and take care of baby sister and all of that," said McVean. The Commercial Appeal, May 17

Congratulations to the Class of 2015, graduated May 16! What is believed to be one of the smallest classes of East High School in recent memory was graduated May 16, 2015, in ceremonies held at The Cannon Center for Performing Arts in downtown Memphis. One hundred twenty-four students received diplomas during the 65th commencement exercise of the school.

Barry McCrory (Faculty 1982-1998), 67, of Memphis, died April 24. Mr. McCrory taught many subjects, especially math, science, and was vice-chairman of the Engineering Department at East. An obituary is available.
Services were held April 29, 2015.

Delayed report:¹  Bert Bates ('69) died May 4, 1985. An obituary is now available.

National Teacher Appreciation Week May 4-8, 2015
The East High Alumni Page joins with the thousands of East alumni in remembering and thanking the dedicated teachers who contributed so much to our lives. For East alumni who went on to become teachers themselves, thank you for passing it on.

 The sixty-fifth commencement of East High School will be held Saturday, May 16, 2015, 9 a.m. at The Cannon Center, 255 North Main Street. Tickets are required and must be obtained from the school in advance.

Jan Marie Lorenz, sister of  Mike Ronsiek ('68), died April 10. No service information has been published.

Anita Minter, 91, of Titusville, Florida, mother of Kathy Cannon ('68) and Dudley Cannon (associated with the Class of  '71), died Wednesday, April 15. There was no public visitation. Burial was at Red Hill Cemetery, Hodgenville, Kentucky.

West Point is the top military school in the country, and the school's newest recruit is from Memphis. East High School senior Andre Vaughn will attend the prestigious U.S. Military Academy at West Point in the fall. A television news story featured his selection. Vaughn told the reporter, "I want to serve my country, because I believe it's a great way to give back."
WMC-TV, Apr. 22

Norma Hooker (Faculty, c1949-1951), 88, of Tunica, Mississippi, died March 31. Ms. Hooker taught English at East High after graduating from college until she married and moved out of state in 1951. An obituary is available. Services were held April 1, 2015.

Lowell Winston (Faculty, 1995-1997), former principal at East High School says he is running for the Memphis City Council Super District 9, Position 2 seat. Incumbent Shea Flinn is not seeking reelection. Despite student protests in support of Winston, he was reassigned from his East High principal's position mid-year after financial problems at the school were revealed. In addition, two financial secretaries left city school employment. Winston later became a principal at a charter school and at the city's Northside High. Source: The Commercial Appeal

Bobby Gibson ('62), 70, died March 31. He was the brother of Jo Anne Gibson (class year undetermined). An obituary is available. Funeral services are at 1 p.m. April 3, 2015, Memorial Park Funeral Home, Memphis.

Bill Strong ('61) was among the speakers expressing opinions at a City of Memphis public meeting on the future layout of Riverside Drive. Part of his comments were broadcast on a television newscast. [The East High Alumni believes East High alumni have valuable insights and encourages their participation in public decisions.]
WREG-TV, May 26

Lala Clark ('73), sister of at least one East alumni among her siblings Jim Clark ('67), died Sunday, March 22. An obituary is available. Visitation is 1-2 p.m. March 27 in the sanctuary narthex at Second Presbyterian Church, Memphis.Funeral services follow immediately at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary.

Cybill Shepherd ('68) is conducting interviews promoting her new film "Do You Believe."  She appeared on Entertainment Tonight Mar. 13. She has also been featured in print articles about the movie and her faith.Entertainment Tonight, Mar. 13, 2015; The Christian Post,  Oct. 18, 2014

Chas McVean ('61) is briefly mentioned in a newspaper capitol hill report focused on  powdered alcohol. "Then along came Memphis commodities broker Charles McVean and his push for arena racing of hackney ponies, ridden by remote-controlled robot jockeys. (We're not making this up.)" The Commercial Appeal, Mar. 13.

Swanette Anderson ('94), 39 of Horn Lake, Mississippi, died Monday, March 2. An obituary is available. Services were March 7, 2015

Jack Kenner ('71) was featured in a segment of WKNO-TV's "Your family pet" program which aired Feb.  19. It discusses his photography business expansion into taking pictures of dogs and publishing books of those photos. The program can be watched on the Internet at wkno.org

Diane Conrad ('68), 64, of Oakland, Tennessee, died February 10. An obituary is available. Services were held February 14 in Oakland, Tennessee.

Walt Jackson ('68), 64, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, died February 20. An obituary is available.  A funeral service is at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 7 at the Chapel of the Cross, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

The late Walt Jackson ('68) was a featured interviewee on the PBS television program "American Denial" which aired Feb. 24, 2015, four days after Jackson's death as the result of a traffic mishap. The program may be viewed until May 24 at PBS Independent Lens.

Delayed report:¹ Kenny Killebrew (associated with the Class of '56), brother of Judy Killebrew ('64) and the late Kay Killebrew ('59), died September 15, 2013. An obituary is available.

David Jolly ('67) is featured in a television news story about a cow on the loose in Germantown, Tennessee, and the local police successful efforts to wrangle it back to where it belonged.  The story says Germantown police posted a video of their efforts on its Facebook page which has been widely viewed. The TV news story can also be viewed on line. WMC-TV, Feb. 26.

East High basketball coach Desmond Merriweather (Faculty) died at age 41 Feb 8. An obituary is available. There are also news media stories noted his passing.  The Commercial Appeal, WHBQ-TV. Visitation is 12-5 p.m. Friday, February 20, at  Zion Temple COGIC, 2935 Sam Cooper Blvd., followed by a memorial  5-7 p.m. Funeral services: are at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 21 at First Baptist Broad Church, 2835 Broad Ave., Memphis.

Arnette Sturla Tagg, 54, of Memphis, widow of Bert Bates ('69), died Saturday, February 7. A funeral mass is at 11 a.m., Thursday, February 12, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Memphis.

A fight between two girls at East High made the news Feb. 11, complete with video of the scuffles. The reporter says the school district indicated the fight happened after school hours when there were not many school employees around. WREG-TV news used the terms "vicious" and "brutal" to describe the altercation. The video was recorded by a student and reportedly posted on Facebook. WREG-TV
[Editor's note: first, it is bad journalism for the media to characterize the nature of the event in judgmental terms. "Vicious" and "brutal" are opinions.  A legitimate news organization should present the fact and let the recipient of the story make the judgmental decisions. Upon review of the news story individuals may decided for themselves what they have seen and what witnesses report.]

January 19, 2015 - The East High Alumni Page has been on line 19 years and we hope to continue helping alumni get into contact with one another and learn about their school and fellow alumni. Some of our 2014 web statistics are available on our What's New page. Thank you to all graduate, student, faculty and staff alumni who view our pages and our special appreciation to those who send in profiles for themselves and who send in news of other alumni.

Daja Bell ('08) was married Joshua Nehemiah Wilson  Nov. 1.She is a student at the University of Memphis studying Health and Human Performance and is employed as a physiology technician in Memphis. Wilson is a graduate from the University of Tennessee, Martin, and is graphic artist working in Bartlett, Tennessee. The Commercial Appeal.


Jim Duncan (Faculty 1966-70) is the subject of a newspaper article as his retirement as executive director of the Memphis Botanic Gardens approaches. The newspaper points out his success in making the gardens nationally notable and financially sound. It also mentions he formerly was a high school coach. It fails to mention that was East High School! The newspaper's web page includes a video with an interview with Duncan. The Commercial Appeal, Jan. 14.
[Editor's note: we're proud of Coach Duncan's outstanding leadership at the botanic gardens and congratulate him. What else would we expect from an East alumnus, whether faculty or graduate alumnus?]

Jane Krech Pilcher, 89, of Memphis, mother of Jimmy Pilcher ('68), Allen Pilcher ('69), Steve Pilcher ('73), died Wednesday, January 7. Visitation is at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, January 11, at Memorial Park Funeral Home, Memphis. The funeral service follows immediately at 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Thelma Getsin Cohn, 90, of Memphis,
mother of Howard Cohn ('65) and Drew Cohn ('68), died December 22, 2014. Services were December 23, 2014

Ken Canfield ('52), 80, of Hallsville, Texas, brother of at least one other East alumnus, Nancy Canfield ('65), died December 27. An obituary is available. Services were held January 2, 2015, in Longview, Texas.

Judy Peiser ('63), executive director of  the Center for Southern Folklore, is quoted in an article about her insisting local artists performances at the 1989 Folklife Festival be recorded. Those performances are now being released on iTunes.  The Commercial Appeal, Jan. 8 (on-line) The Tennessee Sports Writers Association has selected East High senior Kyland Tate as a member of its 2014 Class 5A All State Football team. Tate plays in the defensive backfield. The class "5A" relates to  a school's enrollment.

Mary Gordon Jordan, 91, of Memphis,mother of  Cavett Conaway (associated with the Class of '62), Alex Conaway ('69), and Edwin Conaway ('73), died Wednesday, December 10. Visitation is at 11 a.m. Monday, December 15 at Germantown Presbyterian Church. Services follow immediately at 12:30 p.m. at the church.

Jim Duncan (Faculty 1966-70) was honored by the Memphis City Council Dec. 16 for his 10 years of "outstanding accomplishments as Executive Director of Memphis Botanic Garden." The council noted that when Duncan took the job the gardens were in fiscal distress. During his tenure, the Botanic Gardens have added many features and become a fiscally successful part of Memphis, with a 400% increase in membership. The city provides about one-half million dollars to the gardens but another $4.5 million are now raised from other sources. The Memphis Botanic Garden was recognized this year as one of the top 25 public gardens in the USA. Duncan, a coach and teacher of economics and government at East High, retires from the Botanic Gardens at the end of the year.

Delayed report¹: Terry Teesdale (associated with the Class of '61) 73, of Colusa, IL died October 24. The family includes his sister, Diane Teesdale (class year association undetermined). An obituary is available.

George Toney (Faculty 1953-1958), 89, of Memphis, died Tuesday, November 25. Mr. Toney taught instrumental music (band) at East from 1953-1958. An obituary is available. Services were December 1, 2014.

Spence Wilson ('60), Bob Wilson ('62), and Kem Wilson ('64) will remain members of the board of directors of Kemmons Wilson Cos., the family-run business started by Holiday Inn founder Kemmons Wilson (senior), as they turn over executive leadership of the company to the next generation of family, according to newspaper articles. Memphis Daily News, Dec. 3.

In the neighborhood: Indianapolis-based developer Milhaus Ventures has acquired several vacant parcels for the long-awaited Highland Row project near the University of Memphis for $4.3 million. Acquired were the properties at 443 S. Highland St. and 366, 374 and 380 Ellsworth St.  The mixed-use Highland Row development will include 354 apartments, 35 townhomes, a parking garage and 26,000 square feet of retail space. Memphis-based Poag Shopping Centers, then operating as Poag (Dan Poag ('59)) & McEwen Lifestyle Centers, originally planned to develop Highland Row, but those plans were shelved following the recession.
Source: Memphis Daily News, Dec. 2.

Olney Wesley Edmiston (associated with the Class of '62), brother of Barbara Edmiston (associated with the Class of '64), died November 28, 2014. An obituary is available. According to the funeral home, no services were scheduled

Frances Lynn Herring Barnard, mother of Jeannie Banard ('68), Bill Barnard ('70), Sue Barnard ('75), and Joe Barnard ('76), died Thursday, November 6. A service of remembrance will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 29 at Neshoba Unitarian Church, Cordova, Tennessee.

Bill Strong ('61), director of the Memphis Railroad and Trolley Museum, is quoted in an article about possibility of additional passenger rail service to/from Memphis in a newspaper article. The Commercial Appeal, Nov. 28.

Jeanette Miller Hettinger, 94, of Memphis,mother of Mike Hettinger ('64), died Sunday, November 16. Visitation is at noon, Saturday, November 22 at Memorial Park Funeral Home, Memphis, with funeral services following immediately at 1 p.m. at the funeral home.

Sid Feuerstein ('55), 77, of Memphis, died Saturday, November 15. An obituary is available. Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Sunday, November 23 at the Levy-Cooper Chapel, Temple Israel Cemetery, Memphis.

John "Doc" Hoffman ('62), 71, of Mountain Home, Arkansas, died November 13, 2014. An obituary is available. Services were private.  Doc Hoffman was a sports celebrity during his high school years and, in fact, was a legend in his own time. All  East alumni are invited to read what a sports report wrote about Mr. Hoffman in 1962 on our 1962 Class Classics page.
The Commercial Appeal has done a story on Hoffman upon his passing.
A number of alumni have left messages on the funeral home's guestbook page: Conner-Hankins Funeral Home.

"Remembering a forgotten legend of Memphis high school hoops" is a Memphis newspaper article about Doc Hoffman ('62), who died recently. Recommended reading.  The Commercial Appeal, Nov. 22.
[Editor's note: while the community at large might have forgotten Doc Hoffman, anyone at East Elementary, East Junior High, and East High School, and most likely anyone associated with Memphis basketball, who was old enough to know anything about the game at the time has not and will never forget Doc.]

In the neighborhood: A long established restaurant and bar opened by and bearing the name of late East alumnus David Newby Harsh ('68) closed Wednesday night Nov. 19. Newby's restaurant at 539 South Highland Street, in the Normal shopping area  often called the Highland Strip and a popular college hangout, was opened by Harsh in 1975. After suffering some health issues he sold it to the bartender Todd Adams in 1997. Earlier this year the establishment filed for bankruptcy and then was foreclosed upon. An effort for crowed funding did not reach the amount required and a final night party was held Nov. 19. The Commercial Appeal, Memphis Business Journal,  Nov. 21.

Photographer Jack Kenner ('71) is arranging African photo safaris where guests will be shooting animals with their cameras,not guns, according to a newspaper story. Kenner, who used to make photo trips to Africa in the late 1980s, has launched African photo safari tours under the name Intrepid Expeditions.  Memphis Flyer,  Nov. 19.

Charles Patrick Ransom ('82), 50, of Memphis,  died November 7, 2014. An obituary is available.

A contingent of the East High School Junior ROTC marched in the Memphis Veterans Day parade Nov. 11. Unlike the first couple of decades of East High, ROTC is now an optional class and is open to women as well as men. It is not known if those marching constituted all the East High cadets or not. Shelby County Schools were out for the day, so it could be participation was voluntary. A much larger picture of the East High marching contingent is available here.

Ralph Farmer ('51), 81, of Dyersburg, Tennessee, died on November 3, 2014. An obituary is available. Visitation is 5-7 p.m. Thursday, November 6 at First Baptist Church, family life center, Dyersburg, Tennessee. Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Friday, November 7 at the church.

Susan Meriwether Klyce ('70), 62 of Knoxville, Tennessee, died Tuesday, October 28. An obituary is available. A celebration of life service is at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 1 at Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church, 3700 Keowee Avenue SW, Knoxville, Tennessee

Delayed report:¹ Hermit Raby "Ray" Manning, Jr., 89, of Olive Branch, Mississippi, father of Kathryn Manning ('63), Weber Manning ('66), Rose Marie Manning ('73), and father-in-law of  Wes Lawson ('68),  died July 5, 2014.

Betty Burleigh ('55), 77, sister of Bob Burleigh ('53), died Sunday, October 26. An obituary is available. A memorial service is at 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 29 at Christ Church, Bartlett Campus, 5955 Yale Road, Bartlett, Tennessee.

Earl Winn ('60), 72, of Winchester, Tennessee, died Thursday, October 16. An obituary is available. Visitation is 10 a.m. October 25, 2014 at Marble Plains Baptist Church, Tims Ford State Park, 525 Marble Plains Road, Winchester Tennessee. A celebratory service follows immediately at 11 a.m. at the church.


East High's 2014 ACT average composite ACT score was 15.67, according to the Tennessee State Report Card on Schools released Thursday, Oct. 30.  In 1989 the ACT revised its scoring. A score of 16 today roughly corresponds to a 12 in pre-1989 ACT scoring.  It should be noted that now in Tennessee all high school juniors are required to take the ACT. Decades ago, it was voluntary and therefore those who might have scored very low may not have taken the test, giving results that skewed higher than they would have been if everyone took the exam. At least in the first two decades of its existence, East High was considered a school with an expectation that most students were candidates for college and, therefore, it may be that the vast majority of students took either the ACT or SAT tests. If almost all took the ACT, that would more accurately reflect the overall school academic achievement and provide a better comparison with modern ACT scores, once the 1989 scoring adjustment is applied.The East High Alumni Page believes the ACT score is the best measure of academic achievement both among schools in the present era and comparison between eras.
In 2013, the average composite ACT score at East High was 15.92 and in 2012 it was 16.0.
In 2013, the average composite ACT score at East High was 15.92 and in 2012 it was 16.0.
This editor admits a lack of understanding the state's evaluation in which it categorizes the composite ACT score at East to be meeting "the Standard for Academic Growth"  because it was above the predicted score, although it is obviously less than the either of the past two years. How lower scores can be meeting growth standards raises serious questions.
The 2014 Report Card on Schools is presented in format more difficult to navigate and to evaluate than in most past years, although last year's report was somewhat more complex to analyze. Whether the method of presentation is an intentional effort to obscure the data for most individuals could be a legitimate question, although the answer could probably be accurately predicted.
See Today's East High School  page for additional for a comparison of top local schools with East High.
The East High Alumni Page may, in coming days, attempt to analyze additional information from the State Report Card as it relates to East High and post the results here. The state's Department of Education web site's State Report Card on Schools is linked here.

The late David Harsh ('68), who founded Newby's restaurant on Highland Street is mentioned in a newspaper article about the current owner attempting to raise money to keep the establishment open. Memphis Daily News, Oct. 31.

Jim "Mim" Macdonald ('68), 64. of Marietta, Georgia, brother of Ann Macdonald ('59) and Donnie Macdonald ('63), died Friday, Oct. 17. An obituary is available.

Ray Davenport ('62), of Bartlett, Tennessee died Sept. 12, 1998, at the age of 53. An obituary is available.

Parrish Taylor, Jr. ('63), 70,  died Sunday, October 12. An obituary is available. Funeral services are at 10 a.m. Wednesday, October 15, at, Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Memphis.

Oscar Ammer (Faculty 1961-71) died Monday, October 13. At East High Coach Ammer primarily taught physical education classes and coached numerous sports.  An obituary is available.
Visitation is 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, October 15 at Memorial Park Funeral Home, Memphis. Funeral services are at 1 p.m., Thursday, October 16 at the funeral home.

On the campus: unveiled Tuesday, Oct. 14, new urban art in front of East High School. On either side of the steps that lead to the center patio area of the school are mustang busts made of metal and flanked by attached metal benches. The objects were created by San Antonio artist George Schroeder of Texas who won an Urban Art Commission grant for up to $80,500 for the design, fabrication, and shipment of the works. The request design ideas submitted were evaluated by the East art students.  Additional photos are here.

Mary Blanche Richardson ('61), 71, sister of at least one alumnus, Lee Richardson ('67), died September 26. An obituary is available. A gathering of family and friends was held October 6, 2014.

In the neighborhood: the recent attack on three people in the Poplar Plaza parking lot by a large group of youth has raised concerns about the areas safety. "The community around Poplar Plaza is among the safest areas of the city, according to law enforcement," says a report in a local newspaper citing statistics from the Memphis Police Department. The Memphis Flyer, Sept. 25

Alumni members of the family of Jane Pilcher, Jimmy ('68), Allen  ('69), Steve Pilcher ('73), may be visible in a TV news story on WMC-TV (Memphis). The story is about their mother Jane Pilcher, who while under hospice care, visited her favorite place, the lobby of The Peabody Hotel with the family. WMC-TV, Oct. 6

Ann Fakes ('52), 79, sister of Roger Fakes ('56), died Tuesday, September 23. An obituary is available. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 25 at Second Presbyterian Church, Nashville, Tennessee.

Atlee Olga "Ogie" Catanzaro, 89, mother of at least two alumni, Kathy Catanzaro ('67) and Paula Catanzaro ('69) , died Sunday, September 21. Visitation is 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, September 23at  Memorial Park Funeral Home. Funeral services are Wednesday, September 24 beginning at 10 a.m.with Rosary followed at 11 a.m.by the funeral mass at St. Michael Catholic Church, Memphis.

Jim Duncan (Faculty 1966-70) announced Sept. 15 his retirement as director of Memphis Botanic Garden effective at the end of the year. He has held the position for the past 10 years.

Nancy Ezell ('59), of Southaven, Mississippi,  sister of at least one alumnus, Libby Ezell ('55),  died Friday, September 5. An obituary is available.  Services were September 9, 2014.

Joy Tiffin ('74) is interviewed as part of a "love mob" that demonstrated at Poplar Plaza Shopping Center in response to a group attack on shoppers and employees near the Kroger store Saturday night. "Joy Sutherland went to high school just down the street from Poplar Plaza, worked her first job at Leonard’s Barbecue in the shopping center and had her first date with her future husband in a restaurant there." Eleven juveniles had been arrested by Tuesday and charged for violent event and police said more arrests were expected. One of the responses was what organizers called "a peaceful demonstration of love for our city, its businesses, and our fellow citizens." The Commercial Appeal, Sept. 10.

In the neighborhood: About 9:15 Saturday night Sept. 6, a large group of dozens of juveniles rampaged through Poplar Plaza Shopping Center at Poplar and Highland attacking at least three people in front of the Kroger store, beating and kicking the victims. A bystander captured video of some of the violence and it has been viewed by thousands across the nation on the Internet and television news programs. The event has raised alarm among Memphis politicians and residents of the city. In the days following the attacks, at least eleven people have been arrested and charged with police saying more arrests are expected. Memphis Daily News, Sept. 8. Video: WREG-TV

Martha Hamilton Boswell, 93, mother of Judy Boswell ('64), Joe Boswell ('65), and Susan Boswell ('69), died Monday, August 25. Services were held August 30.

Bonnie Dondeville ('62) is featured in an article "Holding Court" in the fall 2014 edition of the University of Memphis magazine. Dondeville is a champion women's tennis player who found there was no women's team at Memphis State University when she entered the college after East High. So she played on the men's team! Dondeville is still playing the game. She is a member of the University of Memphis Sports Hall of Fame. You can read about her in the latest edition of the university's magazine (on page 11) and you can also read an article about her from a 2008 Commercial Appeal article on our "In the news..." section.

Chas McVean ('61) took the message of his Peer Power tutoring program public school students to Natchez, Mississippi. The Natchez-Adams School Board of Trustees and  city leaders met with McVean to hear about his program which incentivize advanced students with payment to tutor other pupils in their school. The program started a decade ago at East High and has since spread to other schools in Tennessee and Mississippi. Some of those schools believe the program has helped them improve student achievement and the resulting test scores. The Democrat, Natchez, Mississippi, August 21.
[Editor's note: The overall  test results at East High itself do not appear to be significantly improved despite the many years the program has been in place, although the students taking advantage of the tutoring do show significant academic achievement. compared to the student body as a whole.

Aggregated test scores for academic achievement and academic growth for 2014  have been released by the Tennessee Department of Education. The results for East High, along with two of the traditional top performing schools in Shelby County, are provided on our Today's East High School page.

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam visited East High School August 18 to promote the Tennessee Promise scholarship which offers every high school graduate in the state, effective this school year, an opportunity to attend college for two years tuition free. He addressed more than 150 seniors gathered in the school's auditorium and got ” Haslam told more than 150 seniors at East. The pupils appeared to enthusiastically applaud  the governor's comments.

The Commercial Appeal, August 16, 2014:


Drew Bellomo ('70), brother of at least one East alumni among his siblings, Shannon Bellomo ('68), died July 8, 2014. An obituary is available.
A private memorial service was held July 29, 2014, in Denver, Colorado

Sonny Flinn (associated with the Class of '61) tells brief stories about life growing up in the 1950s and 1960s in Memphis, including at East Elementary and Junior High and Central High School. Great fun hearing his recollections! Check him out as he introduces oldies music on his radio station, which he calls "Sunny 1210" (AM 1210 in Memphis)! He invites you to send in your memories, too. The same programming is broadcast on FM 96.6 in Memphis.
It should also be noted that Sonny, who now goes by the name George for the most part, is a candidate for the U.S. Senate from Tennessee in the upcoming election.
(Thanks to Bill Strong ('61) for letting us know about this fun radio experience.)

Chas McVean ('61) and the Big River Crossing and Parkway project are profiled in the local Memphis magazine RSVP in its August Edition. The crossing part of the project was formerly called the Harahan Bridge bicycle and pedestrian project. The parkway portion is a new plan to provide bicycle and walking trails atop the Mississippi levee system. RSVP, August, 2014.


Fifty years ago on July 30, 1964, East High's renowned first principal, J.P. Snider died as the result of a traffic accident. It was a great loss for East High School and its alumni.You can read about Mr. Snider in our Hall of Honor page and in his obituary.

In the first decision of its kind, Charlie McVean ['61] of McVean Trading & Investments announced that the St. Francis Levee District of Arkansas would allow foot traffic on the pathways along the top of the Mississippi River levees. Memphis Business Journal, Jul. 16

Jack Pullen ('52), of Oakland, Tennessee,  died Wednesday, July 9. An obituary is available. Services were July 12, 2014.

The late  Ed Williams ('52) was honored with a resolution adopted unanimously by the Shelby County Commission at its June 16, 2014, meeting. Mrs. Sue Williams was present to accept the resolution and appreciative comments from commissioners about her late husband. The commission said,  "Mr. Williams mirrored the high ethical standards of his profession, and is deeply missed by his family, friends, and colleagues, and his contributions to his profession, and to the rich legacy of Shelby County, Tennessee, will long be remembered." You may read the text of the resolution.
 

2024 Reunions
Class of '69 - June 14-15, 2024 - see Class of '69 Reunion page

2023 Reunions
Class of '73, Classes of '72, '74 also invited - see Class of '73 Reunion page
Class of '68 - see Class of '68 Reunion page

2022 Reunions
Class of 61 - June 4, 2022 - see Class of '62 Reunion page
Class of 62 - June 4, 2022 - see Class of '62 Reunion page
Multi-Class Reunion (1957-1966) - June 4, 2022 - Snapshots posted


Mini-Reunions, Periodic Class Gatherings:
Class of 1953 - monthly dinners
Class of 1955-monthly ladies/quarterly all meetings
Class of 1956 - monthly lunch meetings!
Class of 1965 - Bi-monthly dinners!
Class of 1968 - June 18, 2016 Mini-reunion


Check our Reunions page to find your class and visit its reunion page.