The Central High School class of 1973 held its 50th class reunion on August 19, 2023, at the Foundry on the World’s Fair Park.
Reaching a 50th class reunion is truly a significant achievement – reminiscing about the shared experiences that have shaped the lives over the years and recalling the laughter-filled moments of those long past teenage years.
The 175 attendees at the CHS reunion included teachers Rita Woodall Doak, Jean Payne and teacher/coaches, Bud Bales and Tommy Schumpert.
Saturday was a special moment for Mike Blankenship as his classmate Lee Beeler presented him the Central High Bobcat Pride and Tradition Award from the class of 1973 for his unwavering devotion to the education of the students of Knox County Schools for over 42 years. The accolades Mike Blankenship has received during his tenure as an educator from local to national recognition acknowledging his dedication to excellence as an educator are indeed remarkable.
This is part of Mike’s posted Facebook acknowledgement: “I want to thank each and every member of the 1973 Central High School BOBCAT family. Moreover, Lee Beeler and others orchestrated a ‘cards close to the vest pocket’ operation with total surprise delivered with a high level of precision. It was such a delight to reacquaint and share formative experiences that shaped each of my Central High School classmates and CHS staff and teachers. This acknowledgment of last night’s honor was delivered with CHS ‘Pride and Tradition’ and I humbly express a heartfelt thank you!”
As Lee Beeler stated during his presentation, “Mike Blankenship has epitomized the spirit of Bobcat pride and tradition in his 42 years as a teacher with Knox County Schools.”
I, too, am proud to be a Central High Bobcat!
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