June Joyce Mitchell Ingram, 83, of Memphis, mother of East alumni Janice Ingram ('68) and Jack Ingram ('75 ), died Sunday, January 29. Visitation is 1-2 p.m. Sunday, February 5 at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, Poplar Avenue with the funeral service following immediately at 2 p.m. at the funeral home.

Evelyn Sprott, 94, of Memphis mother of Bill Sprott ('61) and John Sprott ('63), died Sunday, January 22. See our sympathy page.

Dick Koehn ('58), 71, of Flower Mound, Texas, brother of Nancy Koehn ('55) and Denny Koehn ('62), died Friday, January 20. An obituary is available.

Feb. 1, about 70 Memphis City School ninth-graders will start a four-year Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) program by taking principles of engineering in a virtual classroom they will access through the Internet. Successful students with a B+ grade or better will then continue on-line courses and have  access to a $700,000 physics lab under construction at East High School. (The Commercial Appeal, Jan. 23) [The proposal & decision on the STEM virtual school has been reported here previously.]

Della M. Bell, 89, of Memphis, mother of Barbara Bell ('62), the late Gene Bell (associated with the class of 1964), Connie Bell ('71), and Beth Bell [associated with the Class of '77), died Saturday, January 14. See our sympathy page.

Sara Evie McLeary Keller Ontl, 87, mother of at least one East alumnus, Pam Keller ('68), died Tuesday, January 17. See our sympathy page.

Eric Harris ('91 and current Principal) is quoted in a newspaper article about 200 students representing 10 city and county schools participating in a Healthy Kids and Teens program event.in the East High School gymnasium. The Commercial Appeal, Jan. 20.

Larry Cooper Bailey ('60), 70, of Bartlett, Tennessee, died January 14, 2012. An obituary is available. All services are private.

Dorothy Chisholm Copeland, 89, mother of at least two East alumni, Andy Copeland ('67) and Pat Copeland ('69), died Wednesday, January 11. See our sympathy page.

Freddie Jane Phillips Willcox, 82, mother of Cheryl Willcox ('67), Charles Willcox ('69), and David Willcox ('70),  died Monday, January 9. See our sympathy page.

The East High Alumni Page has been on-line for 16 years, having first been posted January 19, 1996.

Maurice Gene Buchalter, 86, father of East alumni: Earl Schwartz ('70), Jan Buchalter ('71), Carol Buchalter (associated with the Class of '73), Robert Schwartz (associated with the Class of '73), died Thursday, January 5. See our sympathy page.

Delayed report¹:Elizabeth Ann Sexton (associated with the Class of '57), 72, who died December 26, 2011. An obituary is available.

Jim Duncan (Faculty 1966-70), executive director of Memphis Botanic Garden, says the amenity is considering a permanent stage for live performances. The Commercial Appeal, Jan. 7

Drew Haid ('67), 63, of Memphis, died Saturday, December 24. An obituary is available.

Edith Howard Dillon Ayres 102, mother of Martha Ayres ('57), John Ayres ('61), and Janie Ayres ('67), died Wednesday, December 28. See our sympathy page.

Louis Bedrin, 92, father of at least one East alumnus, David Bedrin (67),  died Wednesday, December 28. See our sympathy page.

Reported deceased: Michael Lewis Dean ('64). Anyone knowing of a published obituary is asked to refer the editor@EastHigh.org to it.

Ed Williams ('52), Shelby County historian, is quoted in a Dec. 23 newspaper article about Thomas R. Stone, who died recently. The Commercial Appeal.

The Shelby County Board of Education, which now governs Memphis City Schools, approved $690,174 for a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Virtual High School with a new Engineering Lab at East High School. On-line courses will begin to be offered in January. The board discussed the matter for one hour fifteen minutes, raising questions about the procurement process, the students to be served, what delaying approval would mean, and other issues.
Source: The East High Alumni Page
See also the newspaper Dec. 21 newspaper article in The Commercial Appeal.

Meah King ('97 and Faculty)was again honored for winning what may be the most prestigious national teaching award, the Milken Family Foundation's National Educator Award, at the Shelby County Board of Education's meeting Dec. 20. In addition to the Board's recognition, County Mayor Mark Luttrell awarded her a certificate proclaiming it Meah King day. She also received proclamations from the Memphis City Council, the Shelby County Commission, and Memphis Mayor A C Wharton.

The Overton Park Conservancy, recently approved to manage the major Memphis park,  announced it received a pledge of $1.5 million to help pay for operations and improvements. Plough  Foundation chairman Diane Rudner ('68) says the grant is to "help ensure that Overton Park continues to be one of the most valued assets in our community." The Commercial Appeal,  Dec. 16.

The Shelby County School Board, which now governs the Memphis City School system, is considering a recommendation from the school administration for a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Lab at East High School. The Memphis school system, which is to merge with the Shelby County school system in August, 2013, hopes to start an virtual (on-line) STEM Virtual High School available to all Memphis and Shelby County students beginning in January. However, Board of Education members have raised questions about the the procurement process for the $690,174 lab. The proposal is up for discussion and possible vote at the Dec. 20 regular Board meeting. Source: The East High Alumni Page. Also, please see a newspaper article at The Commercial Appeal.

Bruce Hopkins (associated with the Class of '68),  couldn’t attend last year’s Greater Memphis Chamber annual chairman’s luncheon. At this year’s celebratory he shared why. It was a deeply personal story about a life-threatening medical crisis he faced. Read more in The Memphis Daily News, Dec. 14 issue.

The Memphis law firm of Glassman, Edwards, Wade & Wyatt PC will host New York singer Gary Russo at its holiday party. Memphis attorney Richard Glassman ('64) saw him perform in New York and invited him to appear at the firm’s party. Memphis Daily News, Dec. 14.

Donna Dickens ('59), 70, sister of Diane Dickens ('55) and brother Doug Dickens ('62), died Thursday, December 8. An obituary is available.

Patricia Jackson ('90) has filed as an independent candidate to run for the office of General Sessions Court clerk in Shelby County, TN (Memphs). The Memphis Daily News, Dec. 9.

Essie Krouse Tutwiler101, of Memphis, mother of Ann Tutwiler ('59) and Linda Sue Tutwiler ('63),  died Saturday, December 3.  See our sympathy page.

2011 State Report Card on Schools Released December 2 -- East High fails to meet NCLB standards, falls back to "School Improvement I" status.
Read more on our Today's East High page.

Meah King ('97 and Faculty) and dedicated teachers are the subject of an editorial in The Commercial Appeal, Dec. 5.

Meah King ('97 and Faculty) was surprised at a school-wide assembly Thursday, Dec. 1, to hear that she won $25,000 in a Milken Family Foundation's National Educator Award for being an outstanding teacher. The Milken Family Foundation claims its awards are the nation's preeminent teacher recognition program. Newspaper and TV news stories are available:
The Commercial Appeal, WMC-TV, WREG, WHBQ-TV,

Mary Sue Certain Harbin, 79, of Humbolt, Tennessee, mother of Leigh Certain ('72) and David Certain ('75), has died. See our sympathy page.

New profiles and updates to existing ones were posted November 30.

Ernestine H. Russell, 90, of Memphis, mother of Deborah Russell ('72), died Wednesday, November 23. See our sympathy page.

Delayed report:¹  Sommer Randolph ('98), 31, of Memphis,  sister of Korhonda Randolph ('93),  died October 8, 2011. An obituary is available.

Joel Woods Gibbons III, 73, brother of Pettus Gibbons ('67), died Sunday, November 20. A private family ceremony will be held in Hawaii. See our sympathy page.

A "We Are Family" charity alumni basketball game Saturday, Nov. 26 benefited East High, Lester Middle and the Lester Community Center. East alumnus Tarrik Mabon (class year undetermined) organized the event. Also mentioned are Chanduleon Mabon (class year undetermined), Corey Bolton ('94) and Kim Dixon ('07). Tarrik Mabon organized the first charity event last year to benefit the 12 year old twins of the late Kena "Shea" Blakney ('94), who died earlier that year. The Commercial Appeal

East's boys basketball team won the early season Martin Luther King Tournament and has "serviced notice Saturday night. The already-crowded District 16-AAA contenders list has grown by one. First year East coach Sam Bachelor (Faculty) is quoted. The Commercial Appeal, Nov. 27.

Bruce Hopkins (associated with the Class of '68) is quoted in a Nov. 26 newspaper article about providing checking accounts to those in the Memphis area who do not usually use banks. The Commercial Appeal

Doug Douglass ('68) is mentioned in a Nov. 23 newspaper story about Memphis area real estate developer Rusty Hyneman. Douglass is an attorney representing Hyneman in a bankruptcy case. The Commercial Appeal.

Edith Barnes Langston, 86, mother of at least two East alumni, Lynda Langston ('68) and Ben Langston (associated with the Class of '72), died Wednesday, November 16. See our sympathy page.

Jim Duncan (Faculty 1966-1970) was honored with the Thomas W. Briggs Community Service Award. The award highlights the work of a local Mid-South organization in the field of community service. Its purpose is to recognize an individual whose creativity, effort, commitment, professionalism, and exceptional initiative have enabled the organization to excel in its mission.

East High senior running back Brian Kimbrow has been named to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl football game which is played at the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio, Texas. It is to be broadcast  by NBC television starting at noon, January 7.

Jess David Ewing, 91, father of Deborah Ann Ewing ('71) and Paula Reed Ewing ('73), died Wednesday, November 9.  See our sympathy page.

John Robert "Bob" Durschlag, 96, of Memphis, father of John McNulty ('65) and Barbara McNulty ('67),  died Thursday, November 10/. See our sympathy page.

In the neighborhood: the Highland Street branch of the Memphis Public Library at Highland St. and Midland Ave. is permanently closed. The facility, opened in 1951, was closed for repairs in April after storms caused flooding in the building. It has never reopened. The City of Memphis announced in November the library will remain closed and the materials in it distributed to other branches.

Meah King ('97 and current Faculty) received an award from the Memphis Education Association as it joined with Memphis City Schools to recognize outstanding teachers Nov. 15. Ms. King was selected as the Golden Apple award winner for High School English.After receving the award, she said, "Teaching is not a profession, it's a ministry," she said. "My work is not in vain." Teachers are nominated by students for the awards.

Bettye M. Schopfer, 88, of Memphis, sister of Dick McCutchen ('51), died Tuesday, November 1. See our sympathy page.

Bess Bloomfield Katzen, 89, of Memphis, mother of Joel Katzen ('65), Alan Katzen ('71) and Joy Katzen (associated with the Class of '76), died Sunday November 6. See our sympathy page.

Eddie Settles (associated with the Class of '69) is briefly quoted in a Nov. 7 newspaper article about the November 6th Street tour conducted by Jimmy Ogle.  The Commercial Appeal

Priscilla Rush ('57), 71, of Arkansas, died Saturday, October 29. An obituary is available.

Margaret Ann Johnson Wilmot, 81, mother of the late Herb Wilmot ('70), Tim Wilmot ('71)  and Leigh Wilmot (associated with the Class of '76), died Saturday, October 29. See our sympathy page.

Mary Hunt Weeks 93, of Franklin, Tennessee, mother of several East alumni, Louis Weeks ('59), Mary Weeks ('61), Bill Weeks ('65), Linton Weeks (class association undetermined), Dorothy Weeks (class association undetermined), died Monday, October 24. See our sympathy page.

In the neighborhood:  after 57 years cutting the hair Bobby Rye retired Oct. 27.  The barber worked for a while in the Crosstown area, not far from the old Sears store. Then he settled down in East Memphis, working at and co-owning several shops but never moving far from East High School. Source: The Commercial Appeal.

He has had a one-chair operation for about 25 years in the Deerfield Building at 3340 Poplar.

W.B. Burrow ('53), 76, of Memphis, died Monday, October 31. An obituary is available.

Jack Kenner ('71) is an honoree at this year's Germantown Arts Alliance Gala November 5 at the
Esplanade in Cordova. He is the visual arts medalist. Kenner developed his interest in photography in high school and has has established a reputation as a successful commercial and fine art photographer. His assignments have taken him to five continents. His award winning work has been published in the New York Times, Time, USA Today, American Photo, and Disney Adventure magazines and he has been exhibited at Nikon House in New York City. Source: The Germantown News .

Jimmy Doyle ('60), of Memphis, brother of Jeanne Doyle ('65), and Nancy Ann Doyle ('69), died Thursday, October 27. An obituary is available.

Dorothy Gilroy McDonald, 96, mother of Paul McDonald ('70), died Wednesday, October 26. See our sympathy page.

The East High - Craigmont High football game was suspended in the first half when gunshots were fired outside of the Raleigh-Egypt stadium October 21.  Police cleared the stadium and the area. A decision would be made later whether to resume the game at a later date.

Carl J. Grant,  father of Phyllis Grant ('61), Richard Grant ('65), and Milton Grant ('66), died Thursday, October 13. See our sympathy page.

Bonner Joseph "Punch" Warrington, 88, father of Pam Warrington ('67) and Bruce Warrington ('71), died Thursday, October 6. See our sympathy page.

Richard Foster ('65), 65, husband of Dona Reed ('65), died Wednesday, September 28. An obituary is available.

Virginia King Lawson, 92, of Memphis, mother of East alumni Vicki Lawson ('63), Bob Lawson ('66), and Wes Lawson ('68), died Sunday, September 25. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, October 10 at Mullins Methodist Church, Memphis.

Rose Marie Goldfarb (Faculty), 82, of Memphis, died Sunday, September 18.  An obituary is available.

Martha Ann Kenny ('56), 73, of Grand Junction, Tennessee, wife of Charlie Bland ('54), died Thursday, September 15. An obituary is available.

Richard Arthur Simmons, 68, brother of  Laura Simmons ('68), died Monday, September 12.  See our sympathy page.

Jack Parke Bugbee, 76, husband of Barbara Ann Kirk ('54), died Saturday, September 10. See our sympathy page.

Marc Rubinstein (associated with the Class of '68) is mentioned in an article about a kosher barbecue contest in Memphis. The Commercial Appeal, Sept. 14.

"East High running roughshod over opposition," "Talented Mustangs off to perfect start, " says the newspaper headline. Head football coach Marcus Wimberly ('92 and Faculty) comments on the Mustang's season so far in a newspaper article. The Commercial Appeal, Sept. 11.

"I'm an honest graduate from East High School where I was enrolled in the college preparatory engineering program," says Keisha Malone ('97), a candidate for selection by the Shelby County Commission to the Shelby County School Board. She is quoted in an article by  WHBQ-TV Sept. 13  and in The Daily News, the Sept. 12 issue.

Jane Mounger Gilluly, 90, of Memphis, mother of Mary Jane Gilluly ('62), Georgia Gilluly (associated with the Class of '67), John Gilluly Jr. ('64), and Greg Gilluly ('65), died Monday, September 5. See our sympathy page.

Jimmy Tashie ('66), executive vice president of Malco Theaters, says about Overton Square, "We're patiently waiting for something good to happen. Whether it's a grocery or just shops, as long as it's done in a neighborhood-friendly manner." The Commercial Appeal, Sept 7.

Debra Malone Upton, 57, of Collierville, TN., sister of 3 East alumni, Bonnie Williams ('62), Joanie Williams ('64), and Patsy Williams ('65), died Thursday, September 1. See our sympathy page.

Elizabeth P. Douglas, 100, mother of  Jimmy Douglas ('60) and Lindsay Douglas ('68), died Tuesday, August 30. See our sympathy page.

Spence Wilson ('60), a Rhodes College trustee, is briefly quoted in a newspaper article about the college's president Bill Troutt.  The Commercial Appeal, Sept.. 4.

Art Seessel ('56) is briefly quoted in a newspaper article about the sale of Memphis area Schnucks grocery stores to Kroger. The Commercial Appeal, Sept. 3.

Jack Rice ('55), brother of James W. Rice ('53), died Wednesday, August 24. An obituary is available.

Sarah “Sally” Lundy Pridgen, 83, mother of at least one East alumnus, Lundy Pridgen ('68),  died Friday,  August 26.

Harry Bowers (associated with the Class of '61), 68, died Thursday, August 25. An obituary is available. 

Jake Schorr ( circa '61) is one of those interviewed in a story about the old Tennessee Brewery building in downtown Memphis. The Commercial Appeal, Aug. 28.

Roy Weathersby ('53), 75, brother of at least one other East alumnus, Ray Weathersby ('52), died Saturday, August 13. An obituary is available.

Delayed report¹:  Lukisha R. Jamison ('96) died May 13, 2010. An obituary is available.

N.E. "Ed" Tillman, father of at least two East alumni, Lynne Tillman ('71) and John Tillman ('72), died Monday, August 8. See our sympathy page.

Elizabeth M. Macdonald, of Memphis, mother of Ann Macdonald ('59), Don Macdonald ('63), and Jim (Mim) Macdonald ('68),  died Wednesday, August 10. See our sympathy page.

East High Coach Marcus Wimberly ('92 and Faculty)  participated in the NFL summit last month, selected because of his being a former NFL player. The Commercial Appeal, Aug. 12.

Alice Louise Wood, 89, of Memphis, mother of Mary Woods (associated with the Class of '73), died Sunday, August 7. See our sympathy page.

August 10 - Information for those across the nation who may hear limited reports of a school staff member being fatally stabbed in an east Memphis school, this occurred today in a private school. Neither our school nor any Memphis City School is involved.

Federal District court Monday, Aug. 8 released its declaratory judgement in the case regarding the surrender of the Memphis City Schools charter. Effective with the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year Memphis City Schools will no longer exist, the schools previously in the Memphis system will be governed by the Shelby County Schools. East High will then be a county school.

Erica Davis ('97) is quoted in a newspaper article about the looming combination of Memphis City and Shelby County school systems and its effect on the classroom. ""And regardless of whether my badge says MCS or SCS, it doesn't matter. We are still going to learn biology in this room today." The Commercial Appeal, Aug. 7.

East High student Lexie M. Davis, 17, died Tuesday, August 2. Classes for the 2011-2012 school year are to start Monday.  An obituary is available from The Commercial Appeal.

East High Coach Marcus Wimberly ('92 and Faculty)  is briefly quoted in a newspaper article about East football players Will Redmond committing to Mississippi State and Latarius Brady committing to Arkansas State. The Commercial Appeal, Aug. 1.


The Greater East High Foundation appears to be taking the lead in planning and perhaps financing the possible move of a one-room schoolhouse to the East High campus. The city school board approved a motion June 21 to study the feasibility of the move. The sponsor of the resolution, Dr. Jeff Warren, said this was a motion to determine the feasibility of the move, not approving any move. However, the involvement  of The Greater East High Foundation, especially if it is willing to pay the costs, may enhance the chances the building will be moved to the East campus.
Update: As of October, 2010, the project is said to be in "limbo."
Read a summary of the student proposal written by the students themselves.
Read more in an Apr. 30 article in The Commercial Appeal.
Names and contact information for the Memphis City Schools Board of Commissioners is available on the city school's web site.
To join an alumni conversation about this proposal, log into The East High Alumni Page Plus.

Reunions!

Memphis Walking Tours - Memphis history
Meetup.com - meet folks with similar interests
Landmarks and Legends in Memphis

Listen to a March, 2010, performance by the East High Concert Band as it performed at the West Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association competition.  According to Band Director Ollie Liddell, East received "'Superior' ratings for our performance and a 'Superior' rating for sight-reading.  Because of all superior ratings we were invited to perform at the State Concert Festival in Nashville this April.  Sadly, we aren't able to go because we didn't have enough money in our account to pay the $300 dollar entry fee in time for the November deadline...We are actively in search for possible sponsors for the band program." Interested in supporting the band program? Read Mr. Liddell's letter.