Leadership is essential to any organization.  Zephyrhills High School has had a total of 31 school principals. Until the late 1950’s, the ZHS principal was considered the ‘supervising principal’ of the community .

Setting the tone was Judge James Wilton Sanders who was the first Zephyrhills Principal at the very young age of  23.  He went on to be elected Pasco School Superintendent at age 25; his photo and proclamation are proudly displayed at the Pioneer Museum in Dade City.  Go to: http://www.fivay.org/zhs/zhs19.html to see photos and information on all of the Zephyrhills principals throughout time.  You will see the principal of the Zephyrhills African American School, Bessie F. Barefield; the two longest tenured ZHS principals, Dr. Charles Henderson and Raymond B. Stewart.  In the weeks to come, we hope to research/interview some other principals or their descendants and tell you more about these community leaders.

Johnnye Mae Sanders Entz and Madonna Wise

Clereen and I were fortunate to interview James Sanders’ only surviving child, Johnnye Mae Sanders Entz on Saturday, January 31st.  Many thanks to the Dade City Pioneer Museum who allowed us to take along the official proclamation which they possess, to photograph with Mrs. Entz.  A ZHS alum, Susan Gill Holt, arranged for us to check out the proclamation from the Museum’s Little Red School House exhibit.

Talking with a family member really gives you a feel for an individual’s character, integrity and passion for their work.  Here are some examples of what Mrs. Entz shared with us about the first Zephyrhills School Principal who was her “Daddy.”

James Sanders was a large man in stature—six foot two with a stern demeanor and the heart of an outdoorsman. He loved to hunt and fish.

His daughter also related that her parents both learned their parenting skills from their many students (her mother was a teacher as well). She confessed that they had seen it all—every excuse and story known to man from their assorted pupils, so unfortunately the Sanders’ kids could not get by with much in regard to antics around the house.

Mrs. Sanders told us that James Sanders was appointed judge in 1927 by the then Florida Governor Martin and went onto serve three terms as a Judge.  She told us that until his death however, he was a fearless supporter of education (his true calling) and worked to consolidate the schools in central Pasco—hence Sanders was named for him.

Mrs. Entz related that time does soften that ideal image we have of our parents as ‘perfect,’ but even with the experience of some 91 years, she still acknowledges that her father was a person of strong moral fiber and deep patriotism.  In those days of Zephyrhills School infancy in 1910 and after, educators were trained in the seminary and religion was infused into the school curriculum.

Clereen and I so enjoyed our wonderful visit with James Sander’s daughter. Two anecdotes she shared with us were particularly tender.  She told us that her father was a high energy and dedicated man with a strong work ethic; thus when he was stricken with an appendicitis attack and had to have an operation, they were grateful for Marjorie Kinnan Rawling’s new book, The Yearling in 1938. She said Mr. Sanders was so engrossed in reading about the animals and rural Florida, that they were able to keep him in bed to recuperate from the appendectomy.

The other story she shared with keen enthusiasm was in regard to the ‘Judge’ Sanders, (after retiring as ZHS Principal). Typically he went home for lunch each day from his Judge’s office in Dade City in the 1920’s-30’s. She said, funny thing—there weren’t any restaurants in Dade City back then.  James always brought guests home for lunch, and the family was never quite sure who would adorn their dining room table.  How did those wonderful women do it back then?  They would just set an extra plate at the table for whatever guests he brought along and enjoy the lively and interesting conversation. His daughter  particularly related a time when her mother had doled out the last pieces of scrumptious fruit cake for desert and when the guest asked for a second piece, she graciously gave up her own, unbeknownst to anyone but her daughter who noticed the selfless act of hospitality.

This first principal of ZHS was undoubtedly a wonderful family man who had tremendous community and people skills. He knew the students and their families and opened the very first school in Zephyrhills.  He also had an impact upon Pasco County. His legacy lives on at ZHS.

Wording from the Memoriam which hangs at the Museum:

James Wilton Sanders was born September 7, 1887 in Hawthorne, Alachua County, Florida, son of Zedoo Munford and Carolyn (Dawson) Sanders. His father born about 1850, died December 8, 1916, was a farmer and cattleman.  James Wilton Sanders has three sisters and four brothers who survived him: Mrs. J.L. Carter of Fairbanks, Florida; Mrs. J.E. Byrd and Mrs. John Touchton of Jacksonville, Florida; Mr. A.P. Sanders of Fairbanks, Florida; Mr. H.M. Sanders of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Mr. G.A. Sanders of Leesburg, Florida and Mr. D.A. Sanders of Eugene, Oregon.

James Wilton Sanders attended the public schools of Orange Lane and later went to Godwin Seminary. Later he became a student at Florida Seminary (now connected with the University of Florida) where he prepared himself for teaching. He began active work in his profession in 1906 as a teacher in Alachua County. In 1908 and 1909 he was Assistant Principal at Florida Central Normal Institute then situated in Dade City, Florida. He taught in Levy, Marion, Sumter and Pasco Counties in the years that ensued and performed a work of value in his profession. He had positions as principal of schools at Linden and Davenport as well as Zephyrhills High School.

In 1912, he was elected Superintendent of Pasco County Schools, an office that he held until 1920 when he resumed his teaching activities as Principal of Dade City Grammar School. In 1926 he left the teaching profession and turned his attention to business and to other matters that interested him in the sphere of public life. Real Estate and general merchandising activities constituted his major commercial undertakings during this period.

In 1927, Governor Martin appointed him to the County Judgeship left vacant for the remainder of an unexpired term and until 1935, Judge Sanders served in that capacity. In September 1935, he was forced by the condition of his health to retire from his active endeavors. He purchased a grove in Denham where he devoted himself to managing the citrus fruit production business be established there.

Judge Sanders married Essie Burkett on April 11, 1909. The union was blessed with the following children: Carolyn Elizabeth, Alberta, Johnnye Mae, Christine, Anna Claire, James Wilton Jr., and James.

Judge Sanders died November 25, 1938, in Tampa, Florida.

Countdown to Centennial By Madonna Jervis Wise and Clereen Morrill Brunty of the 100th Anniversary Committee, ZHS. Article originally appeared in the Zephyrhills News on February 12, 2009. All rights reserved. Photos © Madonna Jervis Wise

The Zephyrhills area schools hosted a wonderful celebration on January 29th entitled, “Learning For A Lifetime.” They brought together folks from the five community schools to discuss teaching and learning.  Superintendent Heather Fiorentino’s staff was on hand and demonstrations of the latest scientific research in teaching were given to show learning at each developmental level from kindergarten through high school.  Their learning communities relate subject areas such as math, science, history and language arts to real-life technologies or businesses.

In Zephyrhills however, curriculum innovation began many decades ago.  In the historical archives, we would like to illustrate two of these inventive approaches to education: a flying curriculum and a year-round school year.

On February 14, 1946, the ZHS Senior Class purchased and presented to the school a BT-13 Vultee Trainer airplane for the purpose of teaching aeronautics to both girls and boys of the upper classes. The plane was purchased from the War Surplus Board and was flown to the Zephyrhills airfield by Mr. William Krusen, a local pilot.  Upon arrival of the plane a dedication program was held with Congressman J. Hardin Peterson giving the dedicatory address and Mrs. Mildred S. Mozena, on behalf of the Senior Class, making the presentation. An aeronautics class was then organized with Mr. William Krusen, of Pan American Grace Airways, willingly giving his time as instructor and Dr. O.H. Ellmaker serving as assistant. Interest spread fast and twenty-three pupils enrolled, getting off to a good start on Civil Aeronautics Authority Rules and Regulations, Meteorology, Navigation and other fundamentals of flying followed.

To address the burgeoning school growth, a year-round school system, an extended school year, came in the fall of 1973.  A committee was appointed by the Pasco Superintendent Rodney Cox and the committee – which included the News editor, Bernie Wickstrom –  were sent to visit Romeoville, Illinois where they implemented something called ’45-15.’ Upon return from their visit, the group was convinced that a year-round school would answer the enormous issues of student population growth. Schools started double sessions in 1971 with 1000 students at the high school (up from 854 students enrolled the previous year), and the county was desperate to find some relief. In 1973, the 45-15 extended school year program began. It was a system in which students attended school within one of four geographical tracts on a 45 day attendance/15 day vacation interval with three of the four tracts in school session at all times, rotating among the four. The program served to educate students at a time when school buildings to house them were just not adequate. It had some inherent implementation problems at the high school level causing several teachers to leave the school and eventually becoming quite unpopular with school stakeholders.  By 1977 at the conclusion of the 45-15 extended school year, ZHS Principal Stewart congratulated the seniors of 1977 on their accomplishments in the four years they attended the School. Stewart commented that times had been tough for them because of 45-15. He said, we will not miss 45-15 but we will miss the class.

Countdown to Centennial By Madonna Jervis Wise and Clereen Morrill Brunty of the 100th Anniversary Committee, ZHS. Article originally appeared in the Zephyrhills News on February 5, 2009. All rights reserved. Photos © Madonna Jervis Wise

The Zephyrhills News has always been a supporter of education. The News featured a student-written column entitled, School Daze, between 1954 and 1986. A high school senior wrote a weekly news column for the local newspaper as the roving school reporter. These news articles gave a real flavor of school life in each era. The writing styles and expertise vary from year to year. The student reporters assumed the responsibility for the weekly column for the year and took responsibility for selecting and reporting the school news to the community. Throughout time student reporters included: 1954-Shirley Dixon; 1955-Susanne Coolidege; 1956-George Trebour; 1958-Margie Braden; 1959-Dedi Anderson; 1960-Sandra Pricher; 1961-Judy Surratt; 1963-Bobbie June Chambless; 1964-Jere Alston; 1965-Susan Bucey; 1966-Sandra Clark; 1967-Marcia Deming;1968-Jannette Dunnigan; 1969-Kathy Shannon; 1970-Lynn Murphy; 1971-Valerie Wickstrom; 1978-Darlene Roman; 1979-Sharon Hasting; 1980-Nancy Deboe; 1981-Bruce Sofinski; 1982-Lynn Thompson; 1983-Tracy Dunlap; 1984-Jill McDougall; 1985-Kim Kagey; and 1986-Jennifer Sibley.

Throughout the 1960’s and 70’s, the Zephyrhills News also printed the Zephyrhills School Newspaper.To give you the flavor of the School Daze, we have included a few excerpts:

Lynn Murphy wrote on March 19, 1970: “Lock, Stock and Lipstick” promises to be one of the funniest and most exciting Junior Class plays ever performed on the ZHS stage.”

Sandra Pricher reported on January 27, 1961: “The film, Spirit of St. Louis will be shown to all students this week.”

Darlene Roman included in her School Daze on May 24, 1979: “The epidemic known as senioritis, characterized by a lack of interest in studies and extra-curricular activities, drowsiness, and acute apathy has spread throughout the school like wildfire…”

Countdown to Centennial By Madonna Jervis Wise and Clereen Morrill Brunty of the 100th Anniversary Committee, ZHS. Article originally appeared in the Zephyrhills News on January 29, 2009. All rights reserved. Photos © Madonna Jervis Wise

In an age of instant stardom through phenomenon’s such as American Idol and pop star infatuations  with the likes of Miley Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers, Taylor Swift and others, adults might be tempted to believe that the current generation is vastly unique from those of previous eras.  Granted in an age of technological innovation when texting, iPods, Wii’s, cell phones and PDA’s are necessary tween/teen paraphernalia, the tools may have been tweaked a bit but it appears that every generation has had its share of celebrities.

In researching the archives of history for Zephyrhills schools (primarily ZHS), Clereen and I discovered today’s era is not particularly exceptional in its admiration of celebrities. The influence of various popular personalities is seen throughout this community’s school history.  The school’s annual, the Zephilsco, reflects the influence of various acclaimed celebs. We discovered in consulting with several folks, that a particularly distinctive feature of the annual was the selection by letter/US Mail of a annual king and queen by a well-known celebrity. Throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s, key celebrities (usually television or movie stars) worked with the annual yearbook editor and vendor to select the coveted ZHS Yearbook King and Queen. They chose the winners from among photographs of senior nominees. In checking with neighboring communities, we found that this was an unusual practice and may have been exclusive to Zephyrhills.  We are uncertain as to who may have come up with this innovative idea. Does anyone know?

Consider that the following students (many of whom you will recognize) were selected the yearbook king and queen by the likes of John Wayne, Red Skelton or Johnny Carson:

1961 (Editor: Sandra Pricher): Garry Moore from the Garry Moore Television Show chose Queen-Mary Alice Gill & King-Richard Miles,

1962  (Editor: Barbara Russ):  Henry Morgan from I’ve Got A Secret Fame chose Delores Braxton & Clyde Bracknell,

1964 (Editor: Howard Kersey):  Comedian Red Skelton chose Cletia Weaver & John Wintersteen,

1965 (Editor: Kaye Henry):  Jean Morris from the WFLA TV station’s then popular Hi-Time chose Sandy Kirkland & Reggie Brown,

1966 (Editor: Laurel Reitz): Richard Chamberlain, TV’s Doctor Kildare selected Myra Bialik & Bill Lyons,

1967 (Editor: Marcia Deming): Johnny Carson of the Tonight Show chose Joan Thompson & Jim Jefferson,

1968 (Editor: Laura Eloise Hall):  Steve Spurrier (1967 Heisman Trophy Winner) from UF chose Michele Burke & Riki McGinnis,

1969 (Editors: Donna Merrill & Patty Hayden): Comedian Jackie Gleason chose Donna Merrill & Johnny Braxton,

1970 (Editor: Julie Phipps):  Actor, John Wayne chose Pat Artabasy & Cliff Brown,

1971 (Editor: Lynda Stewart): Miss Florida, Linda Donovan chose Suzanne Arnot & Larry McDonald,

1972 (Editor: Dee Dee Toole): Mickey Mouse of the newly opened Magic Kingdom chose Martha Padgett & Benji Cook,

1973 (Editor: Lynne Strickland & Phyllis Jarrett): Rock Group, Chicago chose Essalene Buckins & Jay Linville.

It must have been incredibly thrilling for the annual (yearbook) editor to receive a letter from an actor of the stature of John Wayne. Notice that the famous person reflects the time period as well.

Humility puts all of us in our place however and as one of the authors of this piece, I must confess that when I was preparing the jpegs (that’s the photo) insert for the article, a young man of about 17 was assisting me at a Tampa Office supply store.  He was perusing the letters from Richard Chamberlain, Jackie Gleason, etc., and he said to me, “Were these famous people?”  I then explained to him the significance of the various personalities.  I suspect he was thinking, “What is she talking about?” And I realized it is all relative to the age.

All of us of each generation however, share an interest in movie stars, pop idols or famous persons! Who was yours?

Countdown to Centennial By Madonna Jervis Wise and Clereen Morrill Brunty of the 100th Anniversary Committee, ZHS. Article originally appeared in the Zephyrhills News on January 22, 2009. All rights reserved. Photos © Madonna Jervis Wise

The ZHS building (or campus) has been a pillar of pride and a theme of triumph and tragedy throughout ZHS history. The very first ZHS building was a badge of pride when in 1910 it was opened. At both the 1975 and 1977 Alumni banquets, former ZHS student, Simon Geiger, recalled with joy how he hauled the logs for the construction of the wood building in the early 1900s from Greer’s Mill with a team of oxen. The first ZHS building in 1910 was divided into two rooms. The building was sometimes maintained by the parents and they helped to clean the building.

Zephyrhills suffered several fires that devastated their school buildings. The first ZHS two story building located between 7th and 8th street was burned to the ground in 1926. A bond issue was passed and a new $50,000 building was opened at 10th Avenue and 10th Street in Zephyrhills. At the time, the local newspaper reported on August 27, 1926: “It is a very pleasing structure—practically fireproof.” Like the Titanic, whose builders boasted of being unsinkable, these words would prove to be somewhat prophetic for the community which suffered another loss during the difficult years of the Depression in 1935. The “new” brick building was  also  severely damaged by fire. The third ZHS building was reconstructed with the help of President Roosevelt’s WPA project and opened once again in 1937 with great pride at 10th Avenue and 10th Street.

Tales of quirky ZHS building attachments and nuances fill the history pages. A fish pond in front of the school building was maintained by principals in the 1930’s and 1940’s and was a signature piece for the school. Often the principals lived on the school campus similar to a parsonage on church grounds. Ritual surrounds the many building additions: 1967-the first gymnasium, after so many years of playing basketball outdoors; the annex building in 1947, the new campus on the Hercules property on 12th street in 1975; the football stadium in 1979 and the ZHS Activity Center in 1980.

I think one feels the sense of “home” in regard to the pride of the school building when they recall the visit to the 1926 building at 10th Avenue (what is now Raymond B. Stewart Middle School) upon its final open-house in 2005 just before it was demolished. Former students visiting the building recalled school and developmental milestones—their first kiss, a dreaded test, a school fight, a pep rally and so much more. 1955 Alum, Craig Miller, shared a folksy story in which he was asked by the school principal, Mr. McPherson, to rid the school of a skunk in exchange for some vacation from school; the story illustrates how the school was seen as an extension of home and stakeholders had somewhat of a collective sense of ownership for the school building.

Countdown to Centennial By Madonna Jervis Wise and Clereen Morrill Brunty of the 100th Anniversary Committee, ZHS. Article originally appeared in the Zephyrhills News on January 15, 2009. All rights reserved. Photos © Madonna Jervis Wise

Zephyrhills is celebrating the centennial of the schools in the city of Zephyrhills in 2010. At the end of the 1909-10 school term, the one room school houses in the area closed (Independence School, Childers School and Union School) and in September of 1910, a state-of-the-art school building was opened at the corner of Seventh Avenue and Sixth Street in Zephyrhills which housed all grades.

As a commemoration of this school which opened with 61 students, a committee composed of community members, alumni and current staff members are organizing an  event to celebrate the many years of wonderful education in the community.  Our goal is to publish a weekly ‘tidbit’ or remembrance about the school’s history which often reflects the community.  We invite you to share stories, photos and information with us as you read the weekly articles.  You may reach us at: Madonna Wise (mwise {at} hughes(.)net) or 813 782 0246 or Clereen Brunty at: (clereen {at} tampabay.rr(.)com) or (813) 782-8763.

In honor of this festive time of the year when we celebrate the beginning of a new year, we reviewed the archives of Zephyrhills School history that mentioned the celebration of a “New Year” and came up with some fun remembrances.  We found New Year’s events with educational focuses mentioned in five articles in the Zephyrhills News (Colonist) archives.  See if any of these jog your memory?

JANUARY 1, 1920: The Zephyrhills Colonist (the Zephyrhills News’s previous name) reported an exciting New Year’s Day basketball game in 1920.  “Our local basketball team has secured a game with the St. Petersburg boys for New Years Day, to be played here.  This is expected to be one of the best and fastest games of the season as both sides are lining up for a hard fight and everyone is invited to come out and see some snappy playing.”

JANUARY 1, 1931: “The graduating classes of ZHS for the years 1928, 1929 and 1930 with a few invited guests enjoyed a social at Sunset Beach on Lake Pasadena the evening of January 1^st.  The merry-makers began to gather at 8 o’clock and continued to arrive until 9. Uncle Frank Tousey, the genial proprietor and manager of Sunset Beach was at the door to welcome each arrival with his smiles and best wishes for the New Year.

Music for the occasion was furnished by the radio and Uncle Frank’s famous one-man band. Pool-golf claimed the attending of a few while others played bridge and many were dancing.

Uncle Frank started the game by calling Paul Jones which led to many others. Refreshments of sandwiches—all kinds—cake and hot chocolate were served.

Those present of the different classes were: 1930 class—Sadie Turner, Althia Guy, Cecil McGavern, Charlie Slater, Owen Gall and Fred Gill; 1929 class—Celia Linkey, Angie LeHeup, John Pennington, John Loomis, Robert Sibley, and Arthur Austin; 1928 class—Edith Plank, Tillie Reutimann, Lucile McGavern, Robert Campbell, James Campbell, Nelson Nabor, Clarence Darby and Bob Gill.  Guests were: Mrs. Fred Gill, Mr. and Mrs. Clifton Craig, Miss Esther Plank, A.N. Black of New Port Richey and Sam McGavern.

(Note that the modern-day alumni group was born out of the class of 1950.   Jaynell LeHeup was responsible for the modern-day Alumni movement which continues to thrive.)

JANUARY 1, 1972: The New Year’s holiday was the occasion for a reunion of 16 members of the ZHS class of 1958, who were guests of the Sunland Restaurant, New Year’s Day.  A portable TV set was provided by Dale’s Firestone Center in order that bowl games could be viewed. The 15-year picnic reunion in the summer of 1973 has been tentatively planned. Pictures in the photo were: Margaret Nelson Cherry, Darlene Wilson Bamberger, Mildred Smith Carter, Clara Mae Adams Fowler, Barbara Peeples, Ruthie King Kennedy,  and Gloria Lewis Jones.  Also attending were Brantley Smith, Murray Thomas, Marion Nesbitt, Ralph Massey, Donnie Nelson and Larry Bassell.  Class Sponsor John Clements, Harold Hunt, Roger Sibley, Jr., Charles Bloom, Bamberger, and Kennedy arranged the reunion.

JANUARY 1, 1931: Mrs. Vogel entertained the seventh and eighth grades and their teacher, Mrs. Guy, to a New Year’s picnic for her daughter, Frances, at her home north of the city. Games, basketball, football and contests were greatly enjoyed by the following: Alberta Corbin, Isabelle Austin, Rita Spellman, Helen Grant, Ruth McCoy, Margarite Reutimann, Eva West, Dorothy Boyer, Ruth Higginson, Delma Harrell, Pearl Baldwin, Elma Ryals, Mary Spellman, Sarah Parsons, Anlee Cripe, Laura Rogers, Audrey Fulgham of Tampa and Frances Vogel as well as Ernest Linkey, Horace Williford, Emil Reutimann, Donald Plank, Glenn McDowell, James Mott, Athel Thomas, Robert Seaberg, Clifford Wilson, Reggie Clark, Robert Cook, Jack Parsons, Richard Gaskins and Louis Gall.  The hostess was assisted by Mrs. Claude Cook, Mrs. Ed Seaberg, Mrs. J.T. Fulgham and Miss Edith Parrish of Tampa.

Countdown to Centennial By Madonna Jervis Wise and Clereen Morrill Brunty of the 100th Anniversary Committee, ZHS. Article originally appeared in the Zephyrhills News on January 8, 2009. All rights reserved. Photos © Madonna Jervis Wise