On the last day of September, a large homecoming crowd at Randolph High School’s Mickler Field saw many of the scenes usually observed under “Friday Night Lights” in Texas:
Football players
Cheerleaders
Drill teams
Marching bands
Current students and alumni in various vintages of school-colored clothing
But on this night there was a surprise lurking through the game’s first half that revealed itself with great emotion during the halftime ceremonies.
For some time, Gloria has been publicizing this year’s homecoming’s special nature as the last one before the school building used by so many years of Rohawk classes is to be razed in preparation for upgrading the campus to serve today’s and tomorrow’s students. She also noted the prodigious efforts being put forth by Rohawk alumnus Mike Scott to preserve some of the heritage of the early classes and to link that legacy to modern Rohawks to carry forward in a kind of “Long Blue and Silver Line”.
Gloria noted that as part of this special homecoming halftime, three plaques would be given to the superintendent of Randolph Field Independent School District. The plaques, now blank, will be “filled in” each year with a deserving student from each of three categories:
Coach Bob Mickler Senior Player of the Year Award – Football to be presented by Robert Mickler III (RHS class of ’85)
Terry English Leadership Award – Football to be presented by Lynn English Sutton (Class of ’68)
Academic Achievement Award to be presented by Gloria Campbell Gallagher (Class of ’65)
All of this transpired as publicized, BUT there was one presentation that had not been announced in advance.
From the sound booth high above the home fan sidelines, a voice began to proclaim that members of the classes of 1963, 1964, and 1965 wished to recognize one special person. That person had been instrumental in keeping the first members of the far-flung Randolph High School alumni community in touch with the school and with each other. That individual had begun with annual Christmas letters that shared news of the class members. As technology progressed, that unique graduate had created a blog which offered Rohawks the opportunity to continue to stay in each other lives.
Gloria, as she began diagnosing the unique description, covered her mouth with her hands as the shock of the recognition hit her.
Then, as the announcer concluded that an award was given to Gloria Campbell Gallagher for more than fifty years of service to the Rohawk alumni community, the presentation party advanced towards Gloria bearing an engraved glass vase. Gloria took it in her hands with flowing, but joyful, tears. In the stands near me, many stood and cheered our friend as she was hugged by those around her on the field. Farther down the bleachers where younger alumni and current students sat, heads shook in awe at the idea of a half century of contributions to Randolph High School graduates.
Gloria’s retreat from the field was slowed by the onrush of well-wishers who wanted to acknowledge with words and hugs the truthfulness of the tribute just announced. In fact, much longer and our Rohawks might have penalized for too many players on the field. Numerous flashes of light from the stands indicated that a number of people were immortalizing this moment with their cameras and smart phones. These are my snapshots.
Gloria, thank you for all you have done for each of us for HALF A CENTURY!
Your classmate,
Jerry Ball, RHS '65
PS - Please use the comment section to this blog entry or send an e-mail to Gloria to share your own thoughts on this celebration of Gloria. I know she'd love to hear from all of you.
4 comments:
A WELL-deserved celebration of a lady who has been the glue that has diligently and pain-stakingly grown our collective emotions to what is now lovingly referred to as "Forever Ro-Hawk". Gloria, for decades now, you have not only been our resource for names and contact information, but also the keeper and celebrator of our memories. You’re our everlasting Gobstopper! Shine on, our Glo!!
MUCH love and appreciation, Lynn English Sutton
I cannot think of a more fitting tribute for everything that Gloria has done over the years to keep us connected. It was obvious from my viewpoint in the stands that the recognition caught her completely by surprise and that's the way it should have been. I was hoping to get down after the game and congratulate you but you had obviously left early for your trip to Maui. Hope that you and Danny have a great time there and please know that I, personally, thank you for everything you've done over all these many years to keep us in touch with each other.
John Lieberman, RHS-66
Comment from Mike Hunt, RHS '63:
Jerry,I live in Colorado. Gloria is a" true gift"..God created a true angel in Gloria..Gloria, thanks for all you do..I made the 50th class reunion in New Braunfels..My wife & I enjoyed the reunion..We wished we could have been there..I would have enjoyed seeing Wysong,Borellis,Futch & Fiddler..Mike Hunt "63"
From Mike Scott - the Homecoming Script:
Everyone begins to position themselves as soon as 2nd quarter ends.
Band Plays “Be True to Your School” as last song prior to presentation to Superintendent, this signals everyone to get ready
When the song ends Mark begins to read the PA announcement, this signals the Presenters to start walking toward 50-yard line from the End Zone. Superintendent and Hector walk to 50-yard line midfield from the side line.
PA-Ladies and Gentlemen please turn your attention to the North end zone. This evening Randolph Ro-Hawk Alumni leaders and Randolph Field Education Foundation Board members are initiating 3 annual awards to be presented each year to deserving students at the appropriate time during the school year. These plaques will be presented at mid-field to Superintendent Lance Johnson by the dedicated alumni and Randolph Field Education Foundation members. These awards are as follows-
PA-Bob Mickler Senior Player of the Year Award – Bob Mickler established a program that transcends time and sidelines. The Ro-Hawks compiled a record of 217-50-10. The .781 winning percentage ranks Mickler as one of the winningest High School football coaches in Texas history. More importantly, Bob Mickler knew that not many of his players would continue in their sport past high school, so he was focused on molding them into men and leaders in life, when many had at least one parent in South Vietnam serving their country.
PA-Terry English Leadership Award - In 1966 Terry was selected as an All-State Texas High School Player. Terry went on to play for Rice University before a long coaching career at the high school level, beginning at Randolph High School. Terry believed sports kept some students in school who may have otherwise dropped out. He believed sports developed character, resilience, and life-long friendships. He loved Randolph...his sports and teaching experiences, and the many friends he made. His family is sure that Terry is smiling his large impish grin tonight and that he is honored to have this award presented in his name in this very special way.
PA- Superintendents Academic Award – This award is based not only on excellent grades but by providing examples where the student helped other students improve academically and has demonstrated outstanding character traits.
PA - All Randolph Alumni are asked to stand and be recognized
PA - All Former and Current Members of the Armed Forces are asked to Stand – Thank you for your service.
PA - Moment of Silence –Former Ro-hawks and Veterans.
PA - announces - Bob Mickler Senior Player of the year plaque presented by his son Robert Mickler the 3rd
PA - announces - The Terry English leadership plaque presented by his sister Lynn English
PA – announces – The Superintendent's Academic plaque presented by Gloria (Campbell) Gallagher.
PA – announces – we are also presenting a special alumni band award tonight.
The graduating classes of 1963, 1964 and 1965 owe a debt of gratitude to one particular classmate. For the past fifty years, this remarkable individual has taken it upon herself to make certain that the graduates of our school remained together in spirit, if not in body. Long before the internet and emails, she wrote and mailed a newsletter to each of those alumni, keeping them informed about the lives of their fellow classmates. That effort has now grown into the RHS Blog, viewed today by countless alumni. Reunions were organized primarily through the efforts of this one tireless individual, who is unique among graduates. Without her we would long ago have lost touch with each other and our memories of the glory days of high school would be dim. Gloria Gallagher, we honor you tonight and present this token of appreciation for fifty years of faithful service to your school and your classmates. We are forever grateful.
PA – asks everyone to stand and sing the school song, Hector signals band to play.
Band Plays School Song and we walk off together.
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