The History of the Russell County Vo-Tech Emblem

by

Loretta Johnson

  

The history of the original emblem began in 1966.   As we were working on the Annual for the school year of 1966-67 and trying to decide what to put on the cover, the words FAMILY kept coming up in the conservation.  I suggested that we do something to indicate that we were a family since that was what we kept talking about.   A family crest emblem was mentioned and then the decision of what the family crest should look like became the focus of the group.  It was finally decided that all the trades being taught in the school would be somehow placed in the emblem.  This idea was taken to the drafting instructor, Harold Owens, and his class of students to design our FAMILY CREST.  The results were amazing and that became the cover for our annual.

In 1981-82 school year my daughter, Starr, a drafting student at the “new” vocational school in Lebanon wanted an idea for a bulletin board to enter into the VICA competition.  After much discussion, I got out my old school annual and suggested that the FAMILY CREST might be a good thing to do.  She did that as a bulletin board and won the local and regional competition and took it to state.  Starr gave up attending her Senior Prom to go to the state competition.

The FAMILY CREST is still a part of the vocational school.  Some time after the vocational school moved to Lebanon, the emblem with all the trades was replaced with a Blue Devil, a Tiger and a Pioneer representing the three schools in the county that feed students to the vocational school. This is the new FAMILY CREST for the “new” vocational school.

If you look closely at the cover of the 1966-67 annual, you will see the initials of one of the students who worked on the design and her then boyfriend.  The student was the late Joyce Wallace and her boyfriend Jeter Austin who became her husband.

My challenge to you is to find the initials and enjoy our Family Crest as much as we have.  If you find them, let us know, or if you can’t and would like to know where they are, just ask one of the committee people.

History of Russell County Vocational School

The following article was presented to the Russell County Vo-Tech Reunion Committee by Marian Bundy, wife of the late Stephen Bundy who was the Electricity instructor for many years. She states that Mr. Bundy wrote it sometime after his retirement in 1986.

History of Russell County Vocational School

Russell County Vocational School was established in the summer of 1964. Preparations were made for this school to begin operating when the students returned in the fall. The location chosen for this school was at Cleveland, Virginia previously occupied for almost a half century by Cleveland High School. That first year there were five trade programs taught, with an enrollment of approximately one hundred students. The trades offered were Auto Mechanics, Cosmetology, Building Trades, Electricity and Masonry. The student body was composed of mostly eleventh and twelfth grade students from all four of the high schools in the county. These vocational programs were to be offered in conjunction with the high schools in an attempt to broaden the curriculum for students. The primary goal of these programs was to produce competent, well-trained people who would have the basic knowledge, skills and techniques of a vocation.

In the beginning, classrooms in the old high school building were converted into shops for Cosmetology and Electricity. The cafeteria was partitioned off by the masonry class and a part of it became the masonry shop. The gymnasium was remodeled to provide a classroom, tool room, and shop for the Auto Mechanics program. The Building Trades class set up its shop in an old elementary school building adjacent to the old high school.

When the day finally arrived for school to open, few of the programs had received any textbooks, tools, equipment and supplies. By mid-term of that first year, things were beginning to shape up and take on the appearance of a vocational school.

The required eleventh and twelfth grade History and English classes were taught at this school, and if a student needed other subjects, it was arranged that he might attend Cleveland High School for one-half of the school day.

During this first year a Manpower Welding Program was put in operation in a building that had previously been the agriculture shop. At the beginning of the second school year, the Manpower class was taught in the evening. A high school welding program occupied the shop and used the equipment during the regular school day. A drafting program was also started the second year in a large room which once was a school library. About mid-term, an instructor was hired to teach a group of special education students from Castlewood High School. This was perhaps the beginning of trade preparatory courses in Russell County.

At the beginning of the third year the enrollment in the Cosmetology program had grown to the point where a second instructor was needed. New equipment was purchased and another classroom was remodeled for a second Cosmetology shop. The need had arose to expand the vocational programs for girls. This same year, 1967, the old high school Home Economics cottage was repaired, painted and rewired by trade students to provide space for a Nurse’s Aid program. This 1967 faculty consisted of the Principal, a full-time guidance counselor, and nine instructors.

Enrollment continued to grow and shops became more and more inadequate to meet the needs of the students. By this time it had become quite evident that something must be done to provide more shop space and larger physical facilities for this school. Plans were then made to build a new vocational school. This became a long, drawn-out process in that plans had to be drawn and approved, monies appropriated, a suitable site selected, and land purchased. Construction of a new vocational school was started in 1969 at this present site in Lebanon. This school was completed in the spring of 1971.

The Russell County Vocational School proudly opened the doors of a new building to the students of Russell County in the fall of 1971. Four new trades were added to the existing programs that were moved from Cleveland. These new trades were Machine Shop, Electronics, Occupational Foods, and Occupational Clothing. This made a total of twelve trades with thirteen instructors. Students were required to take academic subjects at their own high school. Buses were provided from all the high schools, allowing the students to spend one-half day at this school.

In the summer of 1976, a second building was completed at this school. The pre-vocational school was moved from Cleveland to this new building during the summer. These facilities continued to operate a Trade Preparatory Cluster program for ninth and tenth grade students. There are six trades in the program, which are Auto Mechanics, Electricity, Welding, Carpentry, Masonry, and Small Appliance Repair. A pre-vocational Medical Assistant program for girls was begun at this time. The vocational programs were also expanded and an Auto Body shop was set up in the new building.

At the beginning of 1977 school year a Mine Maintenance program was put in operation for eleventh and twelfth grade students. At the present time, this school offers fourteen vocational courses and seven pre-vocational courses. The present staff consists of the Principal, Assistant Principal, and twenty-two instructors. The enrollment at the beginning of this school year was approximately 590 students. 

Kenneth Dale Fields Obituary

It is with great sorrow that we post the obituary of one of our fellow classmates, Kenneth Dale Fields. Please visit the Bristol Herald Courier link at the bottom of this post to leave an offering of condolence for Kenneth Dale's Family.

Kenneth Dale Fields ABINGDON, Va.

Mr. Kenneth Dale Fields, age 61, a resident of North Fork River Road, died unexpectedly of a heart attack on March 13, 2010. He was a longtime resident of Russell County, Va., before moving to Washington County.

Dale was a mountain man with a deep love of nature. He enjoyed walking, fishing, hunting, and gardening. He was a lifelong carpenter and farmer. Dale served his county in the Army during the Vietnam War.

Dale was the son of the late Ira Fields and Ruby Warner Fields. Survivors include his two daughters, Cynthia Fields and Stephanie Fields of Abingdon; two brothers, "Isaac" Ira Fields of Sugar Grove and Albert Fields and wife Linnan of Russell County; one half-brother, Jessee Helton of Abingdon; the mother of his children, Carol Fields of Abingdon; and several close friends and relatives.

In keeping with his love of the outdoors, a ceremony to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, March 27, at 11 a.m. at 17385 North Fork River Road. A hike to spread his ashes will follow. All who knew Dale are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Nature Conservancy, Clinch Valley Program, 146 E. Main St., Abingdon, VA 24210. Condolences and memories may be sent to 460 Oak Hill St., Abingdon, VA 24210, in care of Cynthia and Stephanie Fields. Frost Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Kenneth Dale Fields.

Published in Bristol Herald Courier from March 14 to March 16, 2010.

2009 RUSSELL CO VO-TECH REUNION CELEBRATION

On May 2nd, 2009, classmates who had attended the Russell Co Vocational School in its original years at Cleveland gathered at the Cleveland Elementary (formerly High) School for their first reunion in 40 plus years. The gathering was a huge success with over 150 classmates, instructors and guests attending. Each year (’64-’71), each trade and each area high school were represented. David C. Musick who was Principal from 1965 forward, welcomed everyone, introduced the 8 former instructors in attendance (who in turn, gave brief comments) and acknowledged the successes of the men and women and their contributions to society. A special tribute was paid to the many who honorably served their country in the military, three of who, Terry Alsup, Douglas Dishman and Robert Garrett, gave the ultimate sacrifice. Also remembered were the deceased classmates, instructors and bus drivers.

Some stayed in their communities while others’ careers took them elsewhere and their occupations and life stories are as varied as they are impressive. One of the more prominent examples of the impact that the instructors and students had on this community is the current Russell County Career and Technology Center building in Lebanon. Designed by Harold Owen’s drafting class, it stands as a monument to their abilities as well as an inspiration to the many students who have and will pass through its doors in pursuit of knowledge. Several outside firms have also studied its design and construction.

Special thanks go to the classmates and instructors who attended and helped in any way to make this event special. Also, thanks to Larry Rasnake, Edward Young, Jerry Lark, Andrew Chafin, Patty Nichols, Kaye Hale, Roger Musick, Beverly Elswick, First Impressions, Romanos II, Colony House Furniture, Russell County Medical Center, & Kraftin’ Korner for their support and contributions.

An underlying theme that ran throughout the responses we received was the special bond shared among the students at Cleveland. The students felt they gained far more than a vocation; they enjoyed a unique experience that will impact them for a lifetime.

A special souvenir booklet containing information, yearbook photos and classmates’ responses to the questionnaire was prepared for the reunion. Anyone interested in purchasing the booklet can contact Pauline Salyers, 276-889-0055.

Plans are already underway for this year’s reunion!  The 2010 Russell County Vo-Tech "The Cleveland Years 1964-71" Reunion will be held on Saturday evening, May 15, 2010. Please plan to join us at the Russell County Conference Center.  More detailed information about the 2010 Reunion can be found on our blog Russell County Vo-Tech 1964-1971.  You may sign-up for the 2010 Reunion electronically by clicking here.

If you have any questions, suggestions, comments or ideas please contact the Reunion Committee at russell.co.vo.tech@gmail.com.

Our 1st Russell County Vo-Tech Reunion

Our 1st Russell County Vo-Tech Reunion

“The Cleveland Years 1964-1971”

Plans for the 2009 Russell County Vo-Tech “The Cleveland Years 1964-1971” Reunion began in early 2008 when Sonny Townes and Jim Hale decided it would be great to have a reunion for students who attended the Vocational-Technical School when it was located in Cleveland, Virginia from 1964-1971. (Unfortunately, Sonny didn’t get to see his idea come to fruition as he passed away October 3, 2008.  (Click here to see Sonny’s Obituary)

To reconnect with classmates and administration Sonny and Jim created a website in April 2008 (www.russellvotech-cleveland.com – which has since been removed from the internet). Phone calls and advertising in the local papers caught the attention of interested classmates.

Soon, we were holding our first Reunion Committee meeting on July 10, 2008 at Romano’s II at Castlewood, VA. Classmates from Castlewood (Jimmy Hale, Sonny Townes, Sheila Miller), Cleveland (Roger Musick), Honaker (Raymond Taylor) and Lebanon (Shirley Musick & Pauline Salyers) were in attendance. Future meetings also included David Musick, Principal; Phyllis Rasnake; Loretta Johnson; Sandy Herbert; Margaret Moore; Vince Hagy; Carlton Hubble and Mickey Hoge.

Names and contacts were amassed and in order to gauge interest in a reunion, over 240 questionnaires were mailed to former classmates. It was from the replies that the idea for a Memory Book became a reality and a fun-filled project. The recurring theme throughout everyone’s memories was the unique bond shared among the classmates from the different schools and the special atmosphere of the “melting pot” that was “Russell County Vo-Tech”. These memories, along with other shared information were recorded in the Memory Book, to serve as a treasured keepsake for everyone.

The comb-bound book also contains pictures & information from The Russellette yearbooks, classmate’s military service, deceased classmates & instructors, and much more. The Memory Book was dedicated to Mr. David C. Musick, Principal, who not only played an important role during our school years, but also was a valued member of our Planning Committee. Thanks to all who contributed ideas, pictures and memories.  (Memory Books are still available – Click here for info)

Everyone contributed so much at each of the Reunion Meetings. The interest and support for this reunion made getting ready for it a great experience. Inspiration came from many directions and many individuals. Thanks to everyone who responded to our Reunion Committee phone calls and letters, and, also, for adding great ideas, creativity and encouragement.

And then it was here… …Reunion Day!!! May 2, 2009.
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Such was the bond formed by the Reunion Committee that we have continued to meet monthly and are having great fun planning for the upcoming 2010 Reunion! Come join us, send an e-mail or just drop a note to say hello.

Reunion Committee meeting notices are sent out via our official e-mail address (russell.co.vo.tech@gmail.com), and are posted on our BLOG (http://russell-co-vo-tech-64-71.blogspot.com/).  Please contact us if you have any questions or suggestions.

January 2010 Vo-Tech Reunion Committee Meeting

Please join us for our next Russell County Vo-Tech "The Cleveland Years 1964-1971" Reunion Committee meeting.

The January Reunion Committee Meeting has been set for 10 am on Saturday, January 16, 2010. The meeting will be held at the Lebanon Bonanza Restaurant. Please join us in planning the next Russell County Vo-Tech “The Cleveland Years 1964-1971” reunion.

If you have any questions, suggestions or ideas please contact the Reunion Committee at russell.co.vo.tech@gmail.com.

Reunion Souvenir Memory Book

May 2, 2009 Reunion

Souvenir Memory Book

 

In preparation for our first Reunion, held May 2, 2009, the Reunion Committee assembled a Souvenir Memory Book. This Memory Book includes pictures and/or information of Administration & Faculty; Class Officers; Deceased Classmates and personal quotes sent in by fellow classmates and administrators.

Copies of the Souvenir Memory Books are still available for $10 apiece. If you are interested in purchasing one or more of the Memory Books, please contact Pauline Salyers at vpsaly@naxs.net or call her at 276.889.0055.