“At the time the school was incorporated they had no name, no facility, and no headmaster. What they did have was a vision.” — Emily Anderson
Susanna Dover, director of development and alumni relations at Valwood School, and Emily Anderson, a former teacher, dean, and director of Valwood School, review documents detailing the school’s 50-year history.
Generations of students, families, teachers, alumni, and members of the community are taking a walk down memory lane as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of Valwood School.
As part of honoring the school’s history, Emily Anderson, a former teacher, dean, and director of Valwood, has written a book titled “Celebrating the Past, Envisioning the Future.”
“It is an interesting story,” said Anderson, who has a more than 30-year association with Valwood School. “Writing the book has been very nostalgic, and Valwood is a dream that has become a reality.”
The book, which contains accounts from historical documents, correspondence, and five decades of photos, is divided into four sections: Humble Beginnings; Debts, Challenges, and New Era; Dream Campus Becomes a Reality; and Growth and Endless Possibilities.
“John Peeples helped me brainstorm on how to organize the book,” Anderson said. “We looked at the history and noticed that about every 12 years the school had a turning point.”
The concept of Valwood School is credited to Henry Turner Brice Jr., a Valdosta attorney who wanted to establish an independent school to serve students from South Georgia and North Florida. With a few interested parents and business leaders, the group officially submitted a request for incorporation on May 29, 1968.
“At the time the school was incorporated they had no name, no facility, and no headmaster,” Anderson said. “What they did have was a vision.”
Ferrell Singleton was hired as the school’s first headmaster, and the board leased a building in downtown Valdosta for four years.
“The beginning was very humble,” Anderson said. “It was a struggle, but enrollment continued to increase.”
In 1973, after receiving donated land, purchasing additional land, and securing assistance with construction financing, Valwood moved into a new facility on Gornto Road, where the school remained for 29 years.
Anderson began teaching history at Valwood in the early 1980s, and then also served as dean of the Middle School. In 1987, she became the school’s sixth headmaster, though she selected the title of director, and helped lead the school through its first successful capital campaign, which retired the school’s mortgage and paid off outstanding debt.
“Once we were in the Gornto Road facility and stability was restored, there was the issue of the school’s debt,” Anderson said. “Everyone was leaving the problems to the next board or headmaster. Finally, push came to shove, and it was time to do something about the school’s debt.”
Anderson said accepting the position was a tough decision. “There were a lot of prayers and I knew this was a serious responsibility, but because I believed in Valwood, I accepted the position.”
In 2000, with Scott Wilson as the headmaster, Valwood received a gift of 45 acres from the Howard Dasher Company to construct a larger school. Located on Old U.S. Highway 41 North, the new school opened in August 2002.
Charlotte Blanton Thomas, class of 1974, Curry Thomas Anderson, class of 2002, and Brooker Anderson, current first grader, represent three generation of Valwood students.
Today, with an enrollment of 450 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, Valwood’s sprawling campus features state-of-the-art facilities that serve as a testament to the dedication and perseverance of those who had the vision five decades ago to create an independent college preparatory school.
Envisioning the Future
In August 2017, the Valwood board hired John L. Davis Sr. as the school’s next headmaster. An experienced educator, Davis spent 30 years with Valdosta City Schools.
“There are a lot of great educational choices for students in Valdosta and Lowndes County,” said Davis, who served as principal of S.L. Mason Elementary School for 24 years. “At Valwood we also have students from Florida and bordering counties. We invite parents to give us an opportunity to show them what we are doing at Valwood and what makes us unique.
“Our class sizes are small; we try not to have more than 16 students per class. I am impressed with the staff and qualified teachers. Many of our teachers are retired from surrounding school systems, and they bring many years of experience.”
Davis added that the small class size provides not only high-quality instruction but also long-lasting friendships.
“When Valwood students graduate, they realize they aren’t finished with the school,” Davis said. “They are still connected, part of a family. Many of our graduates bring their children to Valwood.”
Valwood currently has 17 second-generation students enrolled and one third-generation student.
“Many of our alumni come back to start their professional careers here in Valdosta,” Davis said. “They are the ones that are helping to build this school for the next 50 years.”
Headmaster John L. Davis Sr. takes time to read to John Henry Wetherington, a pre-kindergarten student at Valwood School.
Year-Long Celebration
The anniversary celebration began in August at convocation and includes events and activities throughout the 2017-2018 academic year.
“The 50th anniversary celebrates the evolution of our institution since the day it was chartered in 1968,” said Susanna Dover, director of development and alumni relations. “Dynamic changes have occurred during our 50 years spanning three campuses and over 900 alumni.”
Dover said that the basic premise on which the school was founded has remained during five decades.
“Valwood provides an opportunity in our community for exceptional independent education while ensuring guidance and leadership in a small classroom setting,” said Dover, who graduated from Valwood School in 2000. “As an alumna and current member of the administration, I am proud of our history and the diligent leadership of those in our community that support our institution. I am excited to see what is in store for Valwood’s next 50 years.”
Dover said seeing the pride that Valwood’s alumni have for their alma mater is overwhelming.
“Over the past few years, Valwood has put a concerted focus on locating alumni and boosting the alumni programming,” she said. “We have seen an enormous increase in alumni pride and participation.”
The 50th anniversary is a time to reminisce about the past and start new traditions, including the Athletic Hall of Fame and Alumni Athletic Reunion scheduled for March 10, 2018.
The Valwood Parents Association (VPA) will host the 50th Anniversary Gala on April 14, 2018, at The Patterson in downtown Valdosta.
According to Suzanne Tyrone, VPA president, the gala will feature live music and dancing, an auction, and a raffle sponsored by Steel’s Jewelry.
“The purpose of the gala is to celebrate our 50th anniversary and serve as a fundraiser as well,” Tyrone said. “Our goal is to have as many alumni present as possible.”
Valwood School’s Headmasters
Mr. H. Ferrell Singleton 1969-1979
Mr. J. Albert Barrett 1979-1984
Mr. Wes Smith 1984-1985
Dr. Noel Carroll 1985-1986
Mr. John McRae 1986-1988
Mrs. Emily Shaw Anderson 1988-1997
Mr. Scott A. Wilson 1997-2003
Mr. J. Cobb Atkinson 2003-2010
Dr. Lee Cox (Interim) 2010-2011
Dr. Darren Pascavage 2011-2016
Dr. Nan Wodarz (Interim) 2016-2017
Mr. John L. Davis Sr. (2017-Present)