School Spirit, Square Pizza, and Simpler Times
As students across Lawrence County gear up for another school year, we asked y’all a simple question: “If you could bring back one thing from LC schools back in the day, what would it be?”
Turns out, we opened the floodgates to some deep hometown memories — from frozen fruit cups to Friday night lights — and it’s clear that the legacy of our schools still runs strong in our hearts.
🏀 County Tournaments & Coliseum Memories
The county tournament wasn’t just a sporting event — it was the event. The Coliseum was standing room only, packed with students, families, and alumni from every corner of the county. The roar of the crowd, the pride of representing your school, and the buzz of the whole community showing up to cheer? Unmatched. Folks still talk about the way it felt when Courtland, Hazlewood, or Speake hit the court. “The coliseum was rocking,” as Shane Walker put it.
🎶 School Spirit & Friday Night Traditions
From pep rallies that had the whole student body on their feet to after-game dances that let students unwind, the energy was electric. Several folks remembered things like “Friday Fun Day,” dressing up in school colors, and the spirit that unified schools like LCHS, Mt. Hope, and Hazelwood. Lori Robinson-Kemp summed it up best: “So much has changed... but those were the days.”
📚 Textbooks, Teaching, and Respect
A lot of you mentioned missing the basics — things like textbooks, actual teaching, and discipline. Many responses called for a return to “the old school way of learning,” respect, and courtesy in the classroom. Whether it was handwriting classes, home economics, or JROTC, there’s a strong desire to see more practical life skills and good ol’-fashioned manners make a comeback.
🍴 Cafeteria Classics
Let’s be honest: you haven’t really experienced LC schools if you didn’t get excited about frozen peach cups or that legendary beef & cheese break sandwich. From square pizza slices to homemade cinnamon rolls, the school cafeteria served up memories that stuck. And according to y’all, it was good eating back then.
🏫 Schools That Shaped Us
The mention of now-closed schools like Courtland, Hazelwood, Mt. Hope, and Speake stirred up strong emotions. Many long for the return of these tight-knit school communities, where generations walked the same halls and the pride was palpable. As Tezzie Puryear put it, “The kids in those areas will never know how it feels to win.”
🙏 Prayer, Patriotism, and Personal Touches
Several folks said they’d bring back prayer in schools, Bible study, and the Pledge of Allegiance — noting a time when schools didn’t shy away from faith or country. Others mentioned the importance of hiring based on qualifications and restoring a sense of pride and care in our schools.
🚌 People Who Made It Special
Some of the most touching responses weren’t about programs — they were about people. Beloved band directors, cafeteria workers, and even bus drivers like Henry Nash left lasting impacts. Folks remember not just what was taught, but how they were treated.
As students return this year, let’s carry those memories forward. Whether it’s packing your kid’s lunch with a frozen peach cup or reminding them to be respectful and take pride in their school — we can keep the best parts of the past alive.
What’s one school memory you’ll never forget? Drop it in the comments — and here’s to a great school year ahead in LC. 🍎✏️