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

  1. Everett I. Walton – Leesville
  2. Herbert L. Carver – Leesville
  3. Cecil C. Carver – Leesville
  4. Charles O. Cask – Leesville
  5. Courtney Allgood – Shreveport
  6. Madeline Kay Scoggins – Leesville
  7. Rose Thompson Davies – Leesville
  8. Charles I. Davis – Houston
  9. Pollard Schaefer – Leesville
  10. Jack Hadnot – Leesville
  11. Sudie Peters Winfree – Leesville
  12. Sheldon Winfree – Leesville
  13. R. L. “Babe” Winfree – Leesville
  14. Laurence McAlpin – Leesville
  15. LeRoy Ford – Leesville
  16. Edna Hicks White – Leesville
  17. Bertha Steward Smartt – Leesville
  18. G. S. Davis – Brownwood, TX
  19. Bess Hooper Durbin – Baton Rouge
  20. Lily Hooper Frazar – Lake Charles
  21. Tat Ferguson Thompson – Lake Charles
  22. Mrs. Frances Hooper – DeRidder
  23. Charlie Averre – San Jose, Costa Rica
  24. Lillie Mae Averre Stone – Oil City, LA
  25. Dallas E. Evans – Shreveport
  26. Bernice Ward Gore – Mount View, TX
  27. Ward Cunningham – Leesville
  28. Mildred Allgood & R. L. Fulton Allgood – Port Arthur, TX
  29. Vanna Rusillow – Leesville
  30. Ozan Smith – Rosepine
  31. Luther Jordan – Mansfield
  32. Walter H. Allen – Leesville
  33. William T. Franklin – Alexandria
  34. Carver – Houston
  35. Alma Lewis Carmical – Lake Charles
  36. Mr. & Mrs. Thodie Roberts – Leesville
  37. Dot Dick Sutter – Leesville
  38. Susie Dick Teni – Leesville
  39. Oscar Roberts – Leesville
  40. Kathryn Roberts – Leesville
  41. 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.