Saturday, August 12, 2017
Graniteville • Vaucluse • Warrenville
Vol. 3, No. 3
Let the School Bells Ring BY ANNE FULCHER It is just hard to imagine that another summer has come to pass and students are preparing to return to the classroom. But this year I find myself a bit melancholy about this topic. A major educational landmark in the state will no long hear the laughter and voices of students and teachers alike. A school that held many memories and traditions for thousands of students that called themselves Leavelle McCampbell Rocks. While I did not attend Leavelle McCampbell, I did attend the school’s arch rival being LangleyBath-Clearwater. The two schools used to have one of the biggest rivalries in the two-state area. Having been in the high school marching band at L.B.C., there was a many a football game spent marching at the Leavelle McCampbell football field during half time. Fond memories, I might add, of how much the students of each school cherished their alma mater and the competition between them. And believe me when I tell you that the loyalty STILL holds true to each one of us this very day. But the key to this is, while some will argue with you, both schools are in the
Valley. Geographically located between North Augusta and Aiken we are literally in a valley. There is no denying the fact that the Valley area consists of many villages that were once vibrant in the textile industry. Generation after generation of family members worked in the mills whether it was United Merchants and Manufacturers or the Graniteville Company, these mills help raise and educate us. I will never forget the first year I worked at Clearwater Finishing Plant taking inventory during the sweltering heat of July. While working those two weeks of plant shut down, I realized just how hard my Mom, as well as most of the parents of my friends worked in these mills to provide for us. When I read Alivia Brewre’s salutatorian address she gave at the 2017 Midland Valley High School graduation, it sparked a flame which made me recognize that, yes, in fact I, too, am Valley strong. Growing up in a three room mill house with two strong female role models, now I realize how I became who I am today. I had no choice but to work hard, study hard, be decent and respect those around me. All those characteristics are what we were taught while growing up in the Valley,
both then and now. For some reason, that I have yet to understand, the stigma of living in the Valley is still alive and well. By many people’s ideals, I grew up poor in the Valley but in my eyes, I grew up with more love than most could ever dream of having. You see the people of the Valley look after one another and when Hillary Clinton spoke of it taking a village to raise a child, she did not know that the Valley people have been doing that for hundreds of years. Helping look after their neighbors, co-workers and church family. So regardless of which part of the Valley you are from, know that we are made Valley strong by the Grace of God and the luck of being born and/or raised in the area. The Rocks and the Lions are no longer but combined forces to create the Mustangs and we all shall raise our children to continue to be Valley Strong and Mustang proud!