MARK YOUR CALENDARS. . .

. . . and plan to join the celebration! The project spearheaded by the three “Tri-Union Classes” (Class of 1969, Class of 1970, and Class of 1971) is about to become a realization. In honor of the 100th year of our Batesburg-Leesville School System, a memorial marker created by Sewah Studios and approved by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, will be installed adjacent to Highway One marking the original location of Batesburg-Leesville High School. This project has been overseen by Mr. Bob Caughman, with support from members of the Tri-Union Classes, Mrs. Louise Riley, and Mr. Mike Taylor. After meticulous planning to address all details, we are now eagerly awaiting the arrival of the commemorative highway sign. An unveiling and dedication of the Batesburg-Leesville High School Historical Marker will take place on Saturday, April 11, at 10:00 a.m. at the original site of the school. Guest dignitaries/speakers will deliver brief comments and a reception will be held afterward. All alumni along with our entire community is invited and encouraged to attend.

Funding was secured for the sake of ordering the marker in a timely manner. While the majority of the financing for the marker and its installation is expected to be handled by the tri-union classes who initiated the project, this group is also inviting and accepting contributions from alumni of any class, any interested resident or business, or any interested party from the Batesburg-Leesville community at large who would like to donate and be recognized. Any amount will be appreciated and all contributors will be recognized by name or designated group in the program that will accompany the dedication. Those who wish to remain anonymous should designate that status also. All amounts will receive equal recognition and contributions will remain confidential. The organizing group does not have a tax exempt status, so support will not be tax deductible. To avoid additional red tape, an existing checking account at First Citizens Bank, Batesburg Branch will be used. Checks can be made payable to B&L Class of 1970 with designated reference to B&L Historical Marker Project or simply B&L 1970 Marker. Shealy Realty, 301 E. Columbia Ave, will be the physical drop-off location for donations. Checks should be mailed to: BLHS Historical Marker Project, c/o Shealy Realty, Post Office Box 3736 Batesburg-Leesville S.C. 29070. A log of the donors and how they wish to be identified will be maintained. Any question(s) concerning this donation request or general information regarding the historical marker project , please contact Bob Caughman (803)530-2368 or bob.caughman@gmail.com.