TAZEWELL HIGH SCHOOL HISTORY
TAZEWELL, VIRGINIA
1970-1979

The bus patrol and music club are active groups. A new field house is built at the football stadium. A new Tazewell High School sign is installed. The football team under Coach Dave Rider goes 7-1-1. The Peak is dedicated to Miss Mary Lewis. Yearbook editor is Nancy Whitt. Graduation is held on Friday, June 11, 1971, with 207 graduating seniors and Melissa Duncan serving as valedictorian.

Seven THS students represent the school at Virginia Girls’ and Boys’ State. The National Honor Society holds its first tapping ceremony. Dale Brown is chosen Miss THS. Chris Yost is named homecoming queen. The Peak is dedicated to Mrs. Marie Keenan and Mrs. Jean Walk and the editor is Fred Brown. Christine Puckett was valedictorian.

Tazewell High School celebrates its centennial year. The football team records an 8-1-1 record year and Coach Dave Rider is named Southwest District "Coach of the Year." The homecoming queen is Anita VanDyke and Aletha Winfrey is sweetheart queen. The Miss THS Pageant, "A Century of Beauties" is held on November 18 with Debbie Billips crowned Miss THS and Anita VanDyke named Miss Congeniality. During December, an outdoor Christmas tree is erected for the first time in the school’s 100 year history. The "Centennial Ball" is celebrated on March 31, 1973. The Junior and Senior Prom, "Fantasy of Seas" is held June 2, 1973. Women are first allowed to wear pants in the form of matching pant suits. The Peak is dedicated to Mrs. Iva Dean. James Luther VanDyke is valedictorian. Yearbook editor is Doris Ratliff. SCA president is Anita VanDyke. On June 8, 1973, 180 graduates participate in commencement ceremonies held on the Tazewell High School athletic field.

The fall of the centennial year at THS sees a new driving range constructed for driver’s education students. Jerry H. Peery is named new head football coach. Sam Angles is named to the All Southwest District football team. THS creates designates areas where students are able to smoke. Mary Lewis wins the Valley Forge Teacher’s Award. Graduation is held on June 8, 1974, with 180 graduating seniors.

A new club is formed, The Green Masque. This school drama group is sponsored by Rusty Hatfield. A new picnic area and pavilion are completed and dedicated in honor of former agriculture teacher, Mr. J. P. Buchanan. Mary Sue VanDyke is crowned Miss THS. The THS Band participates in the Dogwood Festival at Knoxville, Tennessee. The Green T Singers travel to Washington D. C. to perform at the Festival of Nations. Senior activities include a "senior teach day." Yearbook editor is Connie Nash. Principal Ellis Fields dies of a heart attack. Homecoming queen is Teresa Penland. Yearbook is dedicated to Jack Davis. Tazewell FFA wins State "Building Our American Communities" Award. Stan Young wins regional wrestling championship in the unlimited weight class. Graduation is held on June 12, 1975, with 172 graduating seniors.

The Tazewell football team is ranked number one by the Bristol Herald Courier staff. THS students participate in state meet Special Olympics, held in Norfolk, Virginia, on May 30-31. They bring home five gold medals, one silver, and one bronze. A new program for the handicapped preschoolers is formed. Carroll Sluss wins the state title in the Voice of Democracy competition. A contract for building a new library, science labs, and classrooms is approved. The Junior/Senior Prom, "Summer Breeze," is held May 10. The senior class presents a portrait of Ellis Fields to the student body. The portrait is hung in the front of the auditorium. THS celebrates the bicentennial of the United States. Yearbook editor is Bobbie Horton and dedication is to Mrs. Joyce Buchanan. Homecoming queen is Kathy Ball. Valedictorians are Jim McDonald and Betty Cline. SCA president is Mark Kyle. Commencement ceremonies are held on June 4, with 194 students graduating.

Students enjoy new juke box in cafeteria.

Heavy snowfall keeps students home for a record number of days. Janel Howery wins second place in Voice of Democracy. THS is state VICA winner. Special Olympics are held June 2. The yearbook is dedicated to Buddy Young. The principal is Dr. Maynard R. Joyce. Dwight Speeks becomes new principal on February 1, when Dr. Joyce becomes superintendent of Bland County Schools. Homecoming queen is Kim Kiser. Co-valedictorians are David Susman and William Rasnake.

The first female president of the FFA, Linda Roberts, conducts a club meeting. The circle in front of the school is changed by the FFA. These changes include a cable fence around the circle, rock gardens around the tree and the JFK monument. Billy Graham is yearbook editor. Betty Looney is homecoming queen. SCA president is Kay Neel. Graduation in June sees 174 students complete their high school career.

Tazewell High presents a 'murder mystery' play. The Business Department offers new classes that teach needed skills. County teachers begin service announcements. Principals and administrators are in favor of a competency test. A new addition is constructed on the east end of the THS building at a cost of $341,880.00. This addition provides a full size library, four science laboratories, and additional classrooms. Thirty-two students attend the Special Olympics. Commencement includes 176 student graduates.

Dominick Joe Colobro takes over as football coach. Other new teachers include Rose Brewster, Daniel Asbury, and Greg Case. Rebecca Peery is crowned homecoming queen. Joan Pruett is crowned Miss THS. Buddy Young steps down as football and wrestling coach. Tazewell and Marion tie for Southwest District wrestling title. Jody Harris is elected state FFA vice president. Commencement sees 176 students graduate on June 3, 1980.

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