1970

“To those who would be part of the solution, not the problem.”
Dedication Coffee High School Annual 1970

2020

“This is our world to shape and we are the ones who create history.”
Samina Patel, Coffee High School Valedictorian 2020

Classes were interrupted. School dances, celebrations and sports competitions were cancelled. Racial unrest erupted across the country and neighbors became aware of their differences and grew uneasy. School year 2019-2020 was extraordinarily difficult due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but not unique.

50 years earlier, students experienced similar disruptions. School year 1969-1970 was the first year of full integration of the Coffee County School System. Local violence, boycotts and bomb threats forced school closings. Sports competitions were interrupted. School dances and celebrations were cancelled. In the wake of national and local racial change, neighbors became aware of their differences and relationships ended. The students of 1970 persevered and are proud of their accomplishments in the face of adversity.

Choices made 50 years ago were well intended but not perfect. As you hear these stories from a half century ago, you are invited to consider how your choices will affect future generations.