LUMBERTON — A historic moment took place during the February meeting of the Public Schools of Robeson County Board of Education when the last donation from the J.H. Hayswood High School Class of 1960 was made to two local schools.
The J.H. Hayswood High School Class of 1960 donated $700 to the Lumberton Junior High School football program and $2,032.12 to W.H. Knuckles Elementary School. The presentation was made by Dr. Thomas Southerland, a member of the class.
"This year we are celebrating the 65th year of our graduation from high school. Over the past 18 years, we've been making contributions to each of the schools in Lumberton," he said.
"We want to make one final contribution to the Public Schools of Robeson County. We do this with great joy and pride, knowing the importance of education and how blessed we were to have had help when we were in school and so now we are giving back. We are closing out our account and we are giving back to the Public Schools of Robeson County," he said.
Dr. Southerland presented checks to LJHS Principal Dr. Jamane Watson and W.H. Knuckles Elementary Principal Dr. Renee Steele during the meeting.
“We are incredibly grateful for the recent $750 donation to our football program. The generosity of J.H. Haywood Class of 1960 will directly impact our student-athletes by providing essential equipment, training resources, and opportunities that enhance their development both on and off the field. Their support helps us build a stronger, more competitive program while instilling values of teamwork, dedication, and perseverance in our players. Thank you for investing in our athletes' future—we truly appreciate your generosity!” Lumberton Junior High Principal Dr. Jamane Watson said.
“I would like to thank the Class of 1960 for their generous donation,”said W.H. Knuckles Elementary Principal Dr. Renee Steele. “Their support plays a crucial role in enhancing the educational experience of our students.”
In 1948, the J.H. Hayswood School, named after Dr. John Henry Hayswood, was constructed and later became part of the Lumberton City Schools system. In 1969, in accordance with federal guidelines, the two school systems in Lumberton merged into a single district, leading to the school's closure.
“The Public Schools of Robeson County would like to extend its deepest gratitude to the J.H. Hayswood High School Class of 1960 for the generous donations and steadfast commitment to supporting and investing in our students' futures,” said PSRC Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson.
Dr. Thomas Southerland, shares an embrace with Lumberton Junior High School Principal Dr. Jamane Watson, as part of a check presentation from the J.H. Hayswood High School Class of 1960 during a recent meeting of the Public Schools of Robeson County Board of Education.
Dr. Thomas Southerland presents a check to W.H. Knuckles Elementary Principal Dr. Renee Steele on behalf of the J.H. Hayswood High School Class of 1960 during a recent meeting of the Public Schools of Robeson County Board of Education.