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George WashingtonHigh School
Alumni Association
Mailing Address: GWHS Alumni Association, PO Box 25453,
Alexandria, VA 22313-5453
This page updated
September 02, 2012
History of GWHS from 1935 to
1971:The
first history of GWHS appeared in the 1936 Compass and many other versions have
followed over the years. Martha (Marty) ZILMER Neely, GWHS Class of
'57, and Ted Arthur, GWHS Class of '58, compiled, researched and wrote this history
which has been referenced many times including today's GW Middle School. It is
very interesting and informative.
World War
II Monument:A monument is located on the school grounds at the
southwest corner of the building. This memorial was a class gift to the school
by the classes of ’43, ’44, ’45, ’46 and ’47. It was erected in 1947.The Monument lists all the names of
Alexandrians who lost their lives in combat during the war. This web page list
the names with GWHS class by order of death and again in alphabetical order.
Time
Capsule: On Saturday, September 17, 1949, Alexandria city
officials buried the city's bicentennial time capsule at the flagpole at the
north goal post in the GWHS football stadium. This is the story of this event
as written by Sally WARD Stumpf, GWHS Class of '50.
Dixie Pig Restaurants:Located on Powhatan St Alexandria, Mt Vernon Boulevard and
Route one, each one family owned by a Griffin, as told by Addie
Griffin, SMA Class of '57 and Jim Griffin, GWHS Class of '44.
The GW Crew:
Rowing started at George Washington High School (GWHS) in 1947. This is
their story as told by Richard Comisky, GWHS Class of '65.
Willard
Scott, GWHS Class of '51: Willard went to work for NBC at age 16,
while still in high school, and remains in their employment more than 50 years
later.
Donald
Merrill (Don) Beagle, GWHS Class of
'50:
Don attended American University, worked for WOL & WRC in Washington,
then went to WTVR in Richmond in the mid-fifties and became “Dandy Beagle
and Sooper Dog.” Inducted into the Richmond Broadcasters Hall of Fame
Jim
Morrison,
GWHS Class of '61:
Jim was a member of the music group called the "Doors" during the
late 60s. This is his story.
Mama Cass
Elliot,
GWHS Class of '61: "Mama Cass" was an original member of The Mamas & The Papas
along with another GW-ite John Phillips, GWHS Class of '53. Her High School name
was Ellen Naomi Cohen. While Ellen transferred between schools, she did attend
GW in the late 50s and early 60s, and should have graduated in '61. This is her
story.
Papa John Phillips,
GWHS Class of '53: "Papa John" was an original member of The Mamas & The Papas
along with another GW-ite Ellen Naomi Cohen, GWHS Class of '61. His High School name
was John Phillips. This is his story.
Francis C. Hammond,GWHS Class
of '51: "Francis was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of
Honor for aiding and assisting in the evacuation of wounded Marines from
Sanae-Dong during the Korean Conflict. The City of Alexandria named a High
School in his honor and the Navy named one of their ships the USS Francis
Hammond.
Francis Colton Hammond was born November 9, 1931, in Alexandria, Virginia,
the son of Harry C. Hammond and Elvira Jenkins Hammond. While still in high
school, Francis Hammond worked for his future father-in-law’s construction
company and played guitar in a band, performing at local events. After
graduating from George Washington High School in Alexandria, he worked with
his father at Timberman’s Pharmacy, an Alexandria landmark owned by his
uncle. Although planning to become a pharmacist, Francis Hammond decided to
join the Navy on March 20, 1951.With the realization that he would soon be
shipped out to Korea, he requested and was granted permission to marry his
high school sweetheart, Phyllis Ann Jenkins on June 19, 1952.
Hospitalman Francis Hammond received his orders to Korea and arrived there
on February 1, 1953. After heroic efforts to assist his fallen comrades and
refusing orders to withdraw even though wounded, Francis Hammond was killed
in action on March 27, 1953, two weeks prior to his scheduled rotation out
of the combat area. His son, Francis C. Hammond, Jr., was born seven months
later.
Hospitalman Francis Colton Hammond was laid to rest with full military
honors in Arlington National Cemetery. The Medal of Honor was presented to
his wife and infant son on December 30, 1953.
Guy S. Gardner,
GWHS Class of '65:
Guy was born on January 6, 1948, in Alta Vista, Virginia, and grew up in Alexandria, Virginia where he graduated from George Washington High School. He was selected as a pilot astronaut by NASA; worked in many areas of Space Shuttle and Space Station development; then flew in space as the pilot of the Orbiters Atlantis and Columbia during 1984 to 1991. Now Colonel, USAF, retired.
Harley E. "Skeeter" Swift,GWHS Class of '65:
Harley was born June 19,
1946 in Alexandria, Va. He stood out playing both football and
basketball at GWHS during 1962-1965 and in basketball he earned first
team All-State, and MVP Northern Virginia in both his junior and senior years.
As a senior, he was a high school All American.. Following his high school
career he chose East Tennessee State University where he received a full
basketball scholarship. Skeeter excelled at East Tennessee where he played
from 1966-1969 and became a three-time All-Ohio Valley Conference selection,
and the Player of the Year in 1968. He played five seasons in the American
Basketball Association as a member of the New Orleans Buccaneers, Memphis
Pros, Pittsburgh Condors, Dallas Chaparrals, and San Antonio Spurs. He
averaged 11.6 points per game in his professional career. in 2010,When his
playing days were over, he coached the Elizabethton High School Cyclones and
prestigious high school power, Oak Hill Academy.
Harley was inducted into the
Tennessee Hall of Fame in 2010.
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