By: Alan Dye

 

A former teacher, a former coach, a former principal and two graduates who have made a lasting impact in our community were honored for their service by the Bridgeport High School Alumni and Friends Foundation on Saturday night.  The organization inducted Julia Jarvis, John Murphy, Lindy Bennett and John and Marcia Conley into it's Hall of Fame during it's annual dinner at the BHS Cafeteria.

 

Julie Jarvis Tomes spoke for her late mother.  In her speech she related her mother's love of language and of helping students become proficient in grammar.  From 1963 when the current BHS building opened, until 2009 when Julie Tomes retired, the mother and daughter duo were the only two people to teach in room 104.  Julie Tomes also spoke of the many students over the years who have commented on how Mrs. Jarvis impacted their lives.

 

Coach John Murphy reminisced about his playing days and spoke of how grateful he was for the many members of the 1955 state championship team who were in attendance.  Murphy coached that team to BHS' first-ever state title.  He recalled how the first touchdown at what is now Wayne Jamison Field was scored in the fall of 1946 by a teammate who recovered Murphy's fumble in the end zone.  Rain had fallen the entire game and the referee had to ask which team recovered the fumble because of the heavy mud.  That was the first game played under the lights at BHS.

 

Lindy Bennett spoke about his career in education that spanned 43 years.  The former Roosevelt-Wilson and BHS principal remembered his first job as an industrial arts teacher at Norwood Junior High and his time as a football, basketball and track coach.  He credited his family as well as excellent teachers and service personnel for his success as both a principal and as a county administrator.

 

John and Marcia Conley recalled their time as students at BHS in the late 60s and early 70s.  Both spoke of their lives together, building a business and the importance of giving back to the community.  They urged the crowd in attendance to help keep BHS and our community strong through volunteer efforts.

 

"We are so grateful to the members of this Hall of Fame Class for their contributions to Bridgeport High School and to our community in general.  I think this class is a great representation of what our Hall of Fame is all about - honoring those who have served BHS and it's students.  Having a former teacher, coach and principal plus two graduates who have done so much good in our community through ministry and philanthropic efforts is a true example of service and giving back. The class is special and we were so pleased that nearly 200 people joined us to honor them," said Alan Dye, president of the BHS Alumni and Friends Foundation.

 

Editor’s Note: Photos by Ben Queen of BenQueenPhotography.com. Click HERE to see the full gallery of photos.