During this week of graduations for our local high schools, it hit me that it was 25 years ago this week that I graduated from Ider High School…
Yes, I was part of class of 1988 at Ider High School. There were 72 of us in our graduating class. As I look at this picture of my alma mater, I am filled with great memories and joy. I don’t remember the buildings; I remember the people. I remember my friends and classmates. I won’t even attempt to name them because I will leave someone out. There is a special sense of belonging among those you went to high school with. Occasionally, I run into one of my classmates and it’s always a joy. We are old enough now that it doesn’t matter who was in what group or who was popular. We are just glad to see one another – no matter who it is. Unfortunately some members of our class have passed away – some due to illness and some due to tragedy. The class of ’88 has been reminded to be thankful for every day of life.
As I look at this picture, I am reminded of just how much Ider High School has meant to my life. It was there that learned to do math and acquired critical thinking skills. It was there that I was taught to love writing. It was there that I played sports and learned the value of hard work and being on a team. It was there that I learned to respect authority – even if I didn’t understand or agree with it. It was there that I was taught to do my best and never settle for average. It was there that I learned to get along with people and function with others. It was there that I learned to type (yes they actually taught that!) It was there that I learned to be self-disciplined and study. In short, it was there that I grew up and came of age.
I will never forget Mr. Adams’ biology class or Mr. Fuller’s science class. History with Mr. Williams, drivers ed with Coach Allday and science with Coach Daniel will be forever etched in my mind. I can still see Mr. Hardman coming down the hall. I can still smell the locker room of the Gordon Scott Gymnasium, hear the cheers of the pep rallies, and feel the Fall breeze as I walked up to Hardman Stadium for Friday night football. I remember yearbook staff and AP English. I remember homecoming parades, scholars bowl, and 2nd in the state drama team! I remember the Hamricks and the Brooks families who opened their home (and their kitchen) to our entire class because they knew that teenagers needed a safe place to gather and hang out – but with adult supervision!
Were there negative things about high school. I am sure there were, but I choose to remember the best and forget the rest. I have often said that I am thankful I grew up on Sand Mountain. However, I want specifically and publicly to say that I am thankful I grew up in Ider, Alabama and went to Ider High School. I will always be an Ider Hornet. To any members of the class of ’88 who read this blog, I love each and every one of you, and I would love to hear from any and all of you!
gregcorbin.com 
I loved my time at IHS too & am still a fierce defender of her. Thanks for becoming someone that Ider High School can be proud of!!!
Thanks, Lynn. Great to hear from you!
GREG GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU LIKE THIS POST VERY MUCH. I MUST AGREE IT IS GOOD TO MEET OR JUST HEAR FROM OTHERS FROM SCHOOL THERE IS SEVERAL THAT I HAVEN’T HEARD FROM OR SEEN SINCE GRADUATION. I OFTEN WONDER WHAT THEY ARE DOING OR IF THEY ARE EVEN STILL ALIVE. THAT MAY BE MORBID BUT IN THE FIELD I FINALLY SETTLED IN I SEE LIFE AND DEATH ON A REGULAR BASIS. THINKS FOR YOUR WORDS IN THIS BLOG.
Great to hear from you, Leslie. Where did you finally “settle in”? Glad you are well. Stay in touch.
Greg, I’m not of the class of 88, but the ones of us who graduated in 92 echo the same thing you have said. Ider High School was special, and that kind of special is getting rarer these days. I am thankful for the time I had there and the wonderful upper classmen like you who kept an eye out for all of us 8th graders. Your example and leadership helped us. Thanks.
Thanks for the good word, Steve. Great to hear from you!
Thanks, Greg! Ider High School has held a special place in my heart and life for most of my life. I came to Ider as a sixth-grader in January 1942 and was a 1948 graduate of Ider High School. I was blessed to study under some wonderful teachers who taught me both school and life lessons and greatly influenced me in deciding to become a teacher. I have many special memories of my years as a student and also of my twenty-seven years as a teacher and counselor at Ider High School. I love to hear about and from students like you who realize the blessings of attending our Alma Mater.
Thanks for the good word, Mrs. Greene! Wonderful to hear from you! Thank you for the influence you had on so many who grew up in Ider. Blessings to you and stay in touch.
I was born a Hamrick. My father was born on Sand Mtn. and there is a picture of my grandfather James T Hamrick on the wall in City Hall. Are there any more Hamricks on Sand Mtn.