Leesville High School Alumni Association

Homecoming 1979
1979-10-26 08:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York)
The 1979 Leesville High School Homecoming Program welcomed alumni, students, and the community to another memorable celebration of Wampus Cat pride. With the theme of “Class Presidents,” the event honored the individuals who helped guide their graduating classes and represented the spirit of leadership throughout the school’s history. It was a weekend filled with reunions, school traditions, and the joy of reconnecting across generations.
The celebration began on Friday, October 26, 1979, with registration at 8:30 a.m. at Leesville High School. Soon after, at 9:00 a.m., alumni and guests enjoyed coffee as they reunited with classmates and shared memories. At 10:00 a.m., the annual Homecoming assembly was held, where past and present Wampus Cats gathered in the high school auditorium to celebrate traditions and honor alumni leaders. At 12:00 noon, the Dutch Treat luncheon at the Leesville Country Club offered an opportunity for fellowship and reconnection before the afternoon’s big event.
At 3:00 p.m., the streets of Leesville came alive with the Homecoming Parade down Third Street. Floats carried honored classes, alumni rode with pride, and the community lined the streets to cheer on the Wampus Cats. That evening, at 7:30 p.m., the excitement reached its peak at the LHS Stadium when Leesville took on Opelousas in the Homecoming football game. The crowd filled the stands, cheering for the Wampus Cats under the Friday night lights in a true display of school spirit.
The festivities continued on Saturday, October 27, 1979, beginning with a barbecue at 11:00 a.m. in Leesville City Park. Alumni, families, and friends gathered in a casual outdoor setting to enjoy good food and reconnect. The weekend concluded with the much-anticipated Alumni Dance from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. at the National Guard Armory, with music provided by the Marion Deaton Orchestra. This grand finale captured the joy and unity of the Homecoming weekend, as alumni danced and celebrated into the night. The 1979 Homecoming Program was not only a tribute to class presidents but also a lasting reminder of the leadership, traditions, and community spirit that define Leesville High School.

Homecoming 1978
1978-10-20 08:30 - 19:30
The 1978 Leesville High School Homecoming Program was a celebration filled with tradition, pride, and unity, welcoming back alumni under the theme of “Class Mottos.” Generations of Wampus Cats gathered to reflect on the values and sayings that guided each graduating class, creating a weekend of connection and remembrance. It was a time for alumni to share memories, for students to embrace their heritage, and for the Leesville community to show its unwavering support.
The festivities began on Friday, October 20, 1978, with registration at 8:30 a.m. in the high school, followed by a warm coffee hour at 9:00 a.m. At 9:45 a.m., the student body and alumni came together for a spirited assembly that lasted until 11:45 a.m., bringing past and present together in celebration. At 12:00 noon, the Dutch Treat Luncheon at the Country Club gave alumni the chance to reconnect over food and fellowship. That afternoon, the streets of Leesville came alive as the Homecoming Parade lined up at 2:30 p.m. and began at 3:00 p.m. Downtown was filled with floats, bands, and the energy of Wampus Cat pride.
The highlight of the evening was the Homecoming football game at 7:30 p.m. at Wampus Cat Stadium, where alumni and students packed the stands to cheer on Leesville High. The game embodied the excitement of Homecoming weekend, reminding all who attended of the spirit that ties generations of Wampus Cats together.
On Saturday, October 21, 1978, the celebration continued with a family barbecue at 12:00 noon at the Country Club Park, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for alumni and their families. The weekend concluded with the highly anticipated Alumni Dance at 9:00 p.m. at the National Guard Armory, where music and laughter carried late into the evening. The 1978 Homecoming, with its focus on “Class Mottos,” was a vibrant celebration of heritage, unity, and the traditions that make Leesville High School special.

Homecoming 1977
1977-10-14 09:00 - 19:30
The 1977 Leesville High School Homecoming Program was celebrated under the inspiring theme “Follow That Dream.” Alumni, students, and the Leesville community gathered for two days of events that honored tradition, fostered connection, and showcased the enduring Wampus Cat pride. As always, the program blended cherished rituals with joyful reunions, offering both nostalgia and excitement for all who attended.
The celebration began on Friday, October 14, 1977, with a morning coffee at Leesville High School at 9:00 a.m., where alumni reconnected with old friends and teachers. At 10:00 a.m., the school assembly brought together past and present generations of Wampus Cats, reinforcing the strong ties between alumni and current students. At 12:00 noon, the Continental Motor Lodge hosted the traditional “Dutch Treat” luncheon, giving attendees the chance to share stories and laughter. That afternoon, at 2:00 p.m., the community lined the streets of downtown Leesville for the spirited Homecoming Parade, a colorful showcase of floats, bands, and school pride. The day’s excitement peaked at 7:30 p.m. when the Wampus Cats faced Sam Houston High School under the stadium lights, creating an unforgettable evening of football and school spirit.
The weekend continued on Saturday, October 15, 1977, with more opportunities for alumni to connect. At 11:30 a.m., the Darby House Country Club hosted a brunch that blended good food with warm conversations, further strengthening the bonds among graduates. That afternoon at 2:30 p.m., the Alumni-Pep Squad football game added a unique and lighthearted twist to the weekend, bringing generations together on the field in friendly competition.
The festivities concluded that evening at 9:00 p.m. with the grand Alumni Dance at the National Guard Armory, where the Al Devore Orchestra set the tone for a night of music, dancing, and memories. This final event captured the heart of Homecoming: celebrating both the legacy and future of Leesville High School. The 1977 Homecoming Program was a shining example of community unity and Wampus Cat pride, reminding all who attended to “Follow That Dream” and carry the spirit of LHS with them.

Homecoming 1976
1976-10-15 08:30 - 19:30
The 1976 Leesville High School Homecoming was a remarkable celebration of tradition, school spirit, and community pride. As in years past, the Homecoming Program brought together alumni, students, families, and the Leesville community for a weekend filled with laughter, memories, and the enduring spirit of the Wampus Cats. Beyond the games, dances, and gatherings, the event stood as a testament to the power of local support, with numerous businesses and individuals contributing to make the souvenir program—and the celebration itself—possible.
The LHS Alumni Association expressed deep appreciation to the many sponsors who made the 1976 Homecoming souvenir program a reality. Local businesses such as Sartor Motor Co., Phoenix Rexall Drugs, The Style Centers of Leesville, and Palmer Motor Co. were among those who offered their support. Banks including The Vernon Bank and The Merchants & Farmers Bank & Trust Co. also contributed, reflecting the strong ties between the school and the business community. Their generosity ensured that Homecoming remained not only a school tradition but also a community-wide celebration.
Additional thanks went to shops and service providers that added to the festive atmosphere, including Bill’s Discount, Sam’s Shoe Shop, Hilton Gulf Service, and Russell’s Gift Shop. From clothing and furniture stores to insurance agencies and real estate companies, each sponsor demonstrated a commitment to supporting the Wampus Cat legacy. Their names filled the pages of the souvenir program, reminding alumni and guests alike that Homecoming was sustained by both school pride and community partnership.
The 1976 Homecoming Program was more than just an annual gathering—it was a reflection of Leesville’s unity, resilience, and shared traditions. Alumni returned to celebrate old friendships, while students embraced the pride of being part of a legacy that continued to thrive. With the backing of local businesses and the leadership of the Alumni Association, the event honored both past and present, leaving alumni with cherished memories and reinforcing the bond between Leesville High School and its supportive community.

Homecoming 1975
1975-10-24 08:30 - 19:30
The 1975 Leesville High School Homecoming was a celebration of community, tradition, and pride, as alumni returned to their alma mater to honor the school’s enduring legacy. The program, highlighted by photographs of Leesville’s earliest graduating classes and families, reminded attendees of the strong history that binds generations of Wampus Cats together. More than just a weekend of events, the 1975 Homecoming was a tribute to both the past and the present.
On Friday, October 24, 1975, alumni began their day with coffee at 9:15 a.m. inside Leesville High School, where old friends reconnected and shared memories of their school days. At 10:30 a.m., the assembly brought alumni and students together for a spirited program filled with school pride and recognition of Leesville’s long tradition of excellence. At 12:00 noon, the Continental Motor Lodge hosted the annual Dutch Treat luncheon, where classmates caught up and reminisced over a shared meal.
That afternoon, the streets of downtown Leesville came alive with the Homecoming Parade at 2:30 p.m. Floats, bands, and community groups filled the streets, while alumni classes proudly waved from decorated vehicles. The day ended in thrilling fashion under the stadium lights, as the Wampus Cats faced Rayne High School at 7:30 p.m. in the Homecoming football game. Cheering fans filled the stands, creating an atmosphere of excitement and unity that has long been the hallmark of Homecoming.
The celebration continued on Saturday, October 25, 1975, with another Dutch Treat luncheon at the Continental Motor Lodge, this time featuring the election and installation of alumni officers. The evening concluded with the highly anticipated Alumni Dance at 9:00 p.m. at the National Guard Armory, where laughter, music, and dancing carried the celebration into the night. The 1975 Homecoming Program honored the spirit of “yesterday” while celebrating the pride of “today,” leaving alumni and the community with cherished memories of a weekend well spent.

Homecoming 1974
1974-10-25 09:00 - 19:30
In October 1974, Leesville High School hosted a memorable Homecoming weekend, welcoming alumni, students, and community members back home with warmth, pride, and plenty of Wampus Cat spirit. Festivities began on Friday, October 25, as returning alumni gathered at 9:15 a.m. in the school’s commons for coffee—a chance to reconnect and reminisce among familiar faces. At 10:30 a.m., students, staff, and alumni came together for a spirited assembly in the gym, celebrating the school’s traditions and sharing stories of wonder and school pride.
Following the gathering, alumni joined the day’s energy over a Dutch Treat luncheon at noon at the Continental Motor Lodge, swapping memories and laughter in a relaxed and welcoming setting. At 2:30 p.m., the spirit of that day marched through downtown Leesville with a lively Homecoming Parade, where students and community groups showcased creativity, camaraderie, and school pride. As night fell, the hometown excitement turned electric at 7:30 p.m. during the football showdown on the field, as the Wampus Cats battled Rayne High School at LHS Stadium—an unforgettable evening filled with cheers, cheers, and Wampus Cat pride.
Saturday’s events continued the celebration on October 26, with another Dutch Treat luncheon at noon, followed by the election and installation of alumni officers—the next chapter of leadership for the alumni association. The weekend grew even more festive at 9:00 p.m., as the Alumni Dance lit up the National Guard Armory with music, laughter, and joyful reunions—reminding everyone of the strong bonds forged through the years at Leesville High.
This 1974 Homecoming weekend was more than just events on a calendar—it was a celebration of community, legacy, and shared history. It stands as a reminder of the unique power of Wampus Cat pride to bring alumni and friends back together, preserving the tradition and spirit of LHS for years to come.

Homecoming 1973
1973-10-19 10:00 - 19:30
The autumn of 1973 was a memorable season for Leesville High School as alumni, students, and the community came together to celebrate Homecoming. The 1973 Homecoming Program welcomed graduates back with open arms and provided a schedule full of tradition, camaraderie, and Wampus Cat pride. It was a time to relive cherished memories and create new ones while honoring the school’s enduring legacy.
The celebration began on Friday, October 19, 1973, with a warm morning gathering at 10:00 a.m. for coffee at Leesville High School. Soon after, at 10:50 a.m., students and alumni joined together for a spirited assembly at the high school, blending past and present in a shared expression of pride. At 12:00 noon, alumni enjoyed a “Dutch Treat” luncheon at the Continental Motor Lodge, providing time for laughter and reconnection. Later that afternoon, the streets of downtown Leesville came alive at 2:00 p.m. with the Homecoming Parade, showcasing floats, bands, and school spirit. The excitement reached its peak that evening at 7:30 p.m., when the Wampus Cats took the field against Eunice High School in the Homecoming football game, creating unforgettable moments under the stadium lights.
The festivities continued on Saturday, October 20, 1973, beginning again at 12:00 noon with another “Dutch Treat” luncheon at the Continental Motor Lodge. This gathering also included the election and installation of alumni officers, ensuring that the alumni association would continue to thrive with strong leadership. The weekend closed in style with the Alumni Dance at 8:00 p.m. at the National Guard Armory, where classmates, friends, and families enjoyed music, dancing, and the joy of being together once more.
The 1973 Homecoming Program was more than just a series of events; it was a vibrant celebration of tradition, unity, and the shared bond of the Leesville community. With gatherings that spanned two days, alumni and students alike celebrated what it means to be part of the Wampus Cat family, leaving lasting memories that carried the spirit of Leesville High forward for years to come.

Homecoming 1969
1969-10-24 10:00 - 19:30
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.
