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Homecoming 1969
42 Former Students of Leesville High School Reunite
Leesville, LA — June 18, 1969
A heartfelt reunion brought together 42 former students of Leesville High School’s historic “Wooden School out on the Hill.” The gathering took place last Friday at the Continental Motor Lodge, where alumni from the graduating classes of 1907 through 1925 reconnected, some traveling from as far away as Costa Rica.
A Tradition of Community
The reunion was organized and led by L. S. “Buck” Hooper, the man who originated the annual Hooper Trophy, awarded after the Leesville vs. DeRidder High School football rivalry game. Hooper guided the day’s events, which began at 10 a.m. with registration, mingling, and a chance for old friends to reacquaint themselves.
At noon, the group shared a luncheon. Each attendee introduced themselves, reflected on their lives, and updated classmates on what they had been doing in the last 50 years.
Attendees Spanning Generations
The roll call of attendees highlighted the wide reach of Leesville’s alumni. Families and generations were represented, with names like Hooper, Roberts, Winfree, Ford, and Davis appearing throughout the list.
Full List of Attendees
- Everett I. Walton – Leesville
- Herbert L. Carver – Leesville
- Cecil C. Carver – Leesville
- Charles O. Cask – Leesville
- Courtney Allgood – Shreveport
- Madeline Kay Scoggins – Leesville
- Rose Thompson Davies – Leesville
- Charles I. Davis – Houston
- Pollard Schaefer – Leesville
- Jack Hadnot – Leesville
- Sudie Peters Winfree – Leesville
- Sheldon Winfree – Leesville
- R. L. “Babe” Winfree – Leesville
- Laurence McAlpin – Leesville
- LeRoy Ford – Leesville
- Edna Hicks White – Leesville
- Bertha Steward Smartt – Leesville
- G. S. Davis – Brownwood, TX
- Bess Hooper Durbin – Baton Rouge
- Lily Hooper Frazar – Lake Charles
- Tat Ferguson Thompson – Lake Charles
- Mrs. Frances Hooper – DeRidder
- Charlie Averre – San Jose, Costa Rica
- Lillie Mae Averre Stone – Oil City, LA
- Dallas E. Evans – Shreveport
- Bernice Ward Gore – Mount View, TX
- Ward Cunningham – Leesville
- Mildred Allgood & R. L. Fulton Allgood – Port Arthur, TX
- Vanna Rusillow – Leesville
- Ozan Smith – Rosepine
- Luther Jordan – Mansfield
- Walter H. Allen – Leesville
- William T. Franklin – Alexandria
- Carver – Houston
- Alma Lewis Carmical – Lake Charles
- Mr. & Mrs. Thodie Roberts – Leesville
- Dot Dick Sutter – Leesville
- Susie Dick Teni – Leesville
- Oscar Roberts – Leesville
- Kathryn Roberts – Leesville
- Maud Carver Walton – Leesville
Honored Guests
The reunion also welcomed Leesville Mayor R. L. “Fatty” Fertitta and Principal Joe Westerchil, who joined alumni in celebrating the legacy of the school.
A Celebration of Legacy
This gathering wasn’t just a look back at the past but a celebration of shared memories, enduring friendships, and the school’s lasting influence. For those who once walked the halls of the old wooden schoolhouse, the day was filled with laughter, nostalgia, and a reaffirmation of community ties that span decades.
