On a crisp September morning in 1965, 99 seventh graders descended upon the halls of Canton Jr., Sr. High School. The place would never be the same!
These boys and girls were representatives of five elementary buildings located in Canton, LeRoy, Ogdensburg, Ralston and Roaring Branch. These newbie to CHS combined into one big setting for the first time, as what would come to be known as the infamous “Class of ‘71.” The Class of ‘71 had 66 boys and 33 girls in total. Do the math and one sees that there were two males for every female. Maybe that was a good ratio, maybe not, depending on one’s perspective.
Having left the elementary setting, we started getting used to a wide-variety of teachers and styles of teaching. No more having the same teacher for three years in a row, as experienced in some outlying schools. Now was the time that the “coddling” that may have occurred during the elementary years had come to a halt. It was totally up to us to learn, study, and progress or not.
One must remember that the Class of ‘71 grew up in the sixties as part of the “peace and love” hippie era movement. Bell-bottom pants were common at CHS. Mini-skirts were the thing at the time, but girls were never allowed to wear pants. Neither sex were allowed to wear jeans at all. Darn, but I believe it was the very next year, Class of ‘72, that the rules changed in regards to wearing jeans. The gym attire at that time would make students shudder in this day and age. Although, the attire was quite fashionable for the time, boys were always to be wearing blue elastic shorts (many times being purchased at T. Burk and Company, downtown Canton). They also had to wear a white T-shirt, white socks, and sneakers, preferably white. They were blue if my memory is correct. I believe we all lost points toward our gym grade every time we were not dressed appropriately.
If I could suggest a motto for the CHS Class of ‘71, it wold be “WE HAD FUN (and we learned some as well!). I am confident that there were a few teachers that thought to themselves “Where did these kids come from?” Anytime you have this many boys in one setting (sorry to rat the guys out) well, things happen. Boy, did they happen! So much so, that the Board of Education (and I do not mean public service) was used often as a deterrent on us, including yours truly.
All of that aside, the CHS Class of ‘71 had many redeeming qualities and accomplishments. Our educational achievements were very commendable and we had a strong, cohesive faculty that always encouraged us throughout our six years at CHS. Throughout the generations and yet today, I believe we can all appreciate the success we have found in life and be thankful for the high standards and quality of education found in the Canton Area School District. Things have changed dramatically in this world compared to fifty years ago, but a good foundation is always essential.
A few moments for remembrances for the Class of ‘71: Do you remember the great pizza that was served in the cafeteria? Do you remember carrying our books to class? (Why didn’t we have backpacks?) Do you remember our dances, proms, and field trips? Do you recall a field trip to Towanda? How about NYC for our senior trip?
Let’s not forget the great choruses and musicals that were presented during our six years along with all of the athletic accomplishments by our class. I believe one can say that the Class of ‘71 did everything with great Warrior “Spirit and Camaraderie.” We enjoyed each other so much that we can’t forget the extra-curricular activities after school and on weekends. Those were fun times when we could “bomb around” with our parents’ cars for hours at a time for a couple dollars. Yes, Class of 2021, gas was only 20-25 cents per gallon. Just for good measure, candy bars were much bigger then and cost a nickel.
We bonded as the Class of ‘71 and we still bond today in many ways, even though we are 67 and 68 years old. We still remain a cohesive bunch of individuals., We are saddened to have lost 19 of our fellow classmates over the years, but will always have vivid memories of each person. I believe I speak for our class when I say we are grateful for the power of blessings of life in these, our senior years (and I don’t mean 12th grade, folks).
To the Class of 2021, we wish you a bright and successful future as new Canton High School graduates and alumni. Never forget the amazing education, the awesome times, with friends and your parents who supported you through the years. Stay as close as you can with your classmates. The Class of ‘71 has shown that this is possible! Think of others often. Remember to cherish every day as if it were your last. Dream big! God is into big dreams. This life will always have its hard times, but the hard times will lead to victories. Be victorious, Class of 2021! God has a plan for each one of you. Scripture tell us in Mark 12:30-31: “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. And the second like it is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” (NKJV)
Peace and love always from Canton High School Class of 1971!