‘100 years of tradition and excellence’

Fairview High to celebrate centennial

FAIRVIEW, Ala. – In just a few weeks, Fairview High School will host its centennial celebration. The event will take place on Saturday, April 12, from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on campus.  

FHS Family and Consumer Science Teacher And Head Track And Field Coach Whitney Haynes said one of the things about the centennial celebration she is excited about is being able to recognize the efforts and contributions of people who have gone before.

“Celebrating the great things that have come about at Fairview because of people that have been committed to promoting excellence and tradition in our school and community,” Haynes said. “ I have enjoyed digging deeper into our school’s history and early years! A lot of community people worked very hard to build and upgrade facilities through the years.

“Even within our home, we’ve had grandfathers that brought farm equipment to campus to help establish the football field, moms that worked years at the annual PTO turkey and dressing supper (that was reestablished this year), a grandfather that built the original rock bridge in front of the school to help pay tuition for his kids to attend school!” she continued. “And our home is not special – lots of Fairview families can share how their ancestors have contributed to make Fairview the school it is today. I really believe it is this connection to the community that makes Fairview School such a special to work and receive an education.”

Seventh-grade Life Science Teacher Leslie Arnold said she did the math, and 75% of her life has been spent at Fairview High School.

“That includes 12 years as a student and 28 as a teacher; I live and breathe purple and gold,” Arnold said. “I love to support my Aggies in all competitions, whether it be football or scholars bowl. Most of my favorite memories have been competition related and watching my Aggies win. The love I have for Fairview came from two men during my Fairview years, both as a student and a teacher. Coach Dafford Smith was my basketball coach during my junior year and he continued to be a coach outside of the court throughout my life. His love of the Fairview community was seen throughout his life. Mr. Keith Pattillo was the high school principal during my time as a student and many years of my teaching career. He also lived and breathed purple and gold. He did so much for our school, especially seeing us through the devastating fire of 1999. Fairview has been blessed with a lot of great leaders; these are only two of the greats.”

Third-grade Teacher Crystal Jones said she attended Fairview K-12 and graduated from FHS in 2000 and has always loved how Fairview is a small town, but honestly like a family.

“My junior year (’98) playing volleyball we made it to the Elite 8 in state,” Jones said. “We were the first team to make it that far in volleyball. I remember the entire school lining the road and cheering for us as we left to go to Birmingham. Everyone was excited for us to go and represent our school. I also remember the summer of ’99 in June when my mom woke me with the awful news that our school was engulfed in flames. By the time we got there it was a complete loss, but we all gathered together again as a family. This time it was not cheerful, but holding on to each other remembering the good times made it easier to process. It was hard going to school our senior year in trailers, but we all, students and faculty, did our best to make it a year to remember. These were both times that we supported one another. The high on the mountain and the low of the valley.  Just like a family, we were there for each other.”

Jones said she is excited to see people she has not seen in years because they have moved or relocated come back to celebrate. She said it will be like a huge family reunion.

Alumni Association President and Teacher Shannon Ray Black said one memory that sticks out is the 1992 Boys’ Basketball Championship.

“It was the first championship in 26 years,” Black said. “It was the last year to have the county tourney in school gyms. Standing room only and we defeated West Point in their gym. I am looking forward to seeing all the community and alumni and highlighting all the wonderful things that we are doing at Fairview School.”

Haynes, a partner in planning the event, is also the FCCLA advisor and scholars bowl coach. She said she was about to start high school when the building burned in 1999.

“After spending a couple of years in the portable classrooms, I was part of one of the first classes to graduate from the ‘new school,’” Haynes said. “The old building was so beautiful and honestly, iconic, in my memory. However, looking back, I realize that the building really wasn’t Fairview. The people are who make Fairview a great school and community. Even our years in the portable classrooms were memorable, and I know so much of that is attributed to the outstanding administration and faculty, as well as the community, that worked to make those years just as great. Fairview is such a unique place, and we are so excited to celebrate 100 years of tradition and excellence.”

The Fairview High School Centennial Celebration will take place on Saturday, April 12, from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on campus.  Vendor setup is at 9 a.m. with sales beginning at 10. There will be a 5K Fun Run/Walk at 8, as well as a Car, Truck, Tractor and Motorcycle Show from 8-2. There will also be live entertainment in the auditorium. If it rains on the 12, the event will move to Saturday, April 19.

For more information, or to become a vendor, contact the school at 256-796-5106 or through www.facebook.com/fhsaggies. Fairview High School is located at 841 Welcome Road Cullman, AL 35055.

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