pikecountygeorgia.com

The kickoff for tonight’s football game between Pike County and Jackson in Jackson has been moved up to 6 p.m. due to the threat of severe weather from the approaching hurricane.

The Pirates (4-2, 3-0) are on a three game winning streak after a 35-21 win over Central Macon last week. The Red Devils (2-4, 1-2) are coming off a 26-13 loss at Callaway.

The Pirates are a four-point underdog in the contest, according to the Maxwell/AJC projections.

By Kimberly Smith

Members of the Pike County Consolidated High School (PCCHS) Alumni Association gathered for their reunion Sept. 19 at city park in Zebulon to celebrate seven decades of love, joy and friendship.

This was more than a casual meeting of former classmates, it was a gathering that once found its center on a hill in Concord.

Before the mid-1950s, the education of black youth here was a fragmented affair, split between institutions like Zebulon Training High School (ZTHS) and smaller schools in Concord. The closure of ZTHS marked a transition from these modest, disparate beginnings to a ‘modern facility’ in the Hilltop area of Concord. This new institution, PCCHS, became a beacon of academic and social aspiration, forging a foundational bond among students that would withstand the trials of the coming decades.

The inaugural graduating class of 1956 accepted the mantle of ‘pioneers’ with a gravity that set the tone for every student who followed. Under the stern yet visionary leadership of Professor S.H. Harris, these eighteen graduates established a rigorous standard of scholarship and character. They were the architects of the Hilltop’s reputation, proving that even within a segregated system, the pursuit of excellence was non-negotiable.

The class included Mary Ann Burden, Charlotte Fagin, Annie Ruth Ford, Virginia Hixon, Roy Hughley, Mary Jones, Cornelius Jordan, Roy Kendall, Annie Rose Mangham, Charlie McDowell, Willie B. Moreland, Lillie Neal, Pearline Owens, Dane Phinazee, Joe Sherman, Elizabeth Stinson, Rosa June Strickland and Jeannette Walker.

One student, Beulah Owens, began fourth grade at ZTHS, then went to ‘Hilltop’ in Concord for her 10th grade year. She graduated in 1958. Her teacher, Mr. Duncan, recognized her potential and personally delivered a Morris Brown College application to her home. His encouragement was direct and laced with the ‘tough love’ characteristic of the era; he told her it was time to “get her behind in school”.

Despite her parents’ limited financial means, she remained singularly focused, earning her BS in science/technology in exactly four years. She went on to Fort Valley State and Savannah State, spent over 30 years in the classroom teaching and became a championship basketball coach.

Owens exemplifies the Hilltop spirit that continues to burn brightly through reunions and scholarship checks, ensuring that a history built on principle and pride will never truly fade.

Kimberly Smith may be reached at campaignsthatbuzz@gmail.com.

By Kimberly Smith

As the Pike County Pirates, undefeated in region play, prepared to take on the Central Chargers in the annual homecoming game Friday night, its is important to note the game night atmosphere is powered just as much by those off the field as by those on it.

The Pike Regiment and the PC band boosters play a key role in setting the tone for the what happens under the Friday night lights.

The band boosters manage and operate all three concession stands in the stadium. Every piece of equipment, including coolers, freezers and cooking equipment are purchased largely by the boosters through fundraising. Jessica Willcutt, whose ninth grader Dean plays trumpet, spends the evening helping prepare hamburgers.

The concession teams arrive by 2 p.m. to prepare food for game night.

Supporting a band program of 60 to 65 performers takes a full community effort involving parents, grandparents and siblings. Even after their children graduate, dedicated volunteers keep returning.

Scott Sergeant’s daughter Audrey has graduated and attends University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, but he and his wife still volunteer throughout the season.

The boosters support incoming families. Parents often share or donate the volunteer credits they earn to help cover program costs for other students in need. The boosters work hard and do not depend on financial funding from the school.

The band’s efforts extend far beyond weekly football games. Each year, PCHS hosts ‘March the Plank’, a massive, all-day band competition that draws around 15 high school bands from across Georgia, bringing in local vendors and operating all concession stands to raise vital funds.

Anchoring this tradition is the school’s award-winning band director, Lee Ewing. Ewing has been recognized as teacher of the year at both the district and state levels. His students begin learning in middle school and he treats each one as his own.

Ewing has even slept overnight in the band room before major competitions to ensure his students and their equipment are prepared.

As you enjoy Friday’s homecoming battle, remember those behind the scenes. It is far more than just a game. It’s a family affair.

Kimberly Smith may be reached at campaignsthatbuzz@gmail.com.

After last week’s huge upset of Callaway, the Pike County Pirates return to ‘The Boneyard’ tonight for the annual homecoming game against Central Macon. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

The Chargers (3-2, 1-1) are coming off a 23-12 win over Southwest last week. Pike is a 22-point favorite, according to the Maxwell/AJC projections.