Photo of The Month – Dec 2005

Cliffside High Graduation ’57

Picture contributor: Hazel Haynes Bridges

It happened every Spring. On a warm evening in May, the Seniors would wind up their school days at Cliffside. In rented gowns and tassled caps, and flashing their shiny new school rings, they marched nervously into the auditorium to the strains of Pomp and Circumstance. They lined up stiffly on the stage, and, upon being summoned, each strode over to a little table where the principal, H. C. Beatty, handed the graduate his or her diploma.

In this particular ceremony, in 1957, Mr. Beatty is awarding a diploma to George Haynes as Don Bailey (left) and Billy Joe Houser contemplate the uncertain years ahead.

Mr. Beatty performed this ritual exactly 32 times, every year from 1936 until 1969 except 1946 when there was no graduation.