Class Night: Scottsville’s Most Elegant Goodbye

What a glorious time of year in Scottsville when the tradition of Class Night rolls around!

In my day, this event was met with growing anticipation weeks in advance—afterschool trips through town to grab a Sonic drink and head to Tropical Tans to get my skin good and bronzed for the occasion. There was nothing quite like the days and weeks before high school ended, when life felt like it was on the brink of change, and Class Night marked the first of many senior celebrations. The dress was secured early in the winter, guarded like a secret—its style, color, jewelry, and hair plans all kept under wraps. Speaking of hair, that appointment with your favorite stylist had been scheduled for months! You couldn’t sleep on the best stylists or you’d miss out. And of course, you’d already met with Leta Ann Stone, who had flowers picked out to match your dress perfectly. Mine was a bouquet of cymbidium orchids—definitely not native to Scottsville—flown in for the occasion.

Dress trends have changed through the years: sequins, gloves, sleeves, and mermaid styles have all taken their turn. And 2005 was no exception. That year, it was all about the mermaid silhouette or a ball gown. I chose the latter. Layers of fluffy red tulle billowed from my waist, making my dress feel worthy of royalty. The strapless bodice was beaded to match my elbow-length satin red gloves. Red satin shoes and simple, sparkly jewelry completed the look—along with a slicked-back bun. Timeless, I thought. You don’t want to lean too hard into a trend when those photos are going to live forever.

When I was a senior, Class Night fell on a Friday. We were required to attend a morning practice, and then we were free to go. Lanna Jo Stone, the Class Night Director, somehow managed to orchestrate 165 wild, half-attentive teenagers teetering on the edge of adulthood. We practiced the order of ceremony—heels and all—on the blue floor covering and astroturf to avoid any slips or stumbles on the big night.

A few months later, when I went to college, I quickly realized just how unique this tradition was. None of my friends from across the state had ever heard of Class Night. The closest comparison they had was a red carpet entrance to prom. I was shocked—and also a little proud. They were jealous of our tradition and its debutante feel.

When I started thinking about writing this piece, I knew I had to find out more about the history of Class Night in Allen County. And who better to ask than Mary Garnett Richey? She told me that there used to be a written history of it at the library, but it’s no longer there. Neither of us knew the exact origin year of Class Night in Allen County. Her family arrived in July 1968, and the first one she attended was in 1969, held in the old Allen County High gym. Lola Weaver was the director, and that year’s theme was “Apple Blossom Time.” One of the songs played was “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree (With Anyone Else but Me).”

The last Class Night held at the building on West Cherry Street was in 1970, and Mary Garnett served as co-director. She remembers it as the only outdoor Class Night to date. Portable bleachers were brought in, and people brought lawn chairs. Silver streamers hung from the front arch, and seniors walked through them to begin the ceremony. Steve Mitchell sang “I Did It My Way”—and it was fabulous! A wishing well stood nearby for seniors to toss in coins after their walk.

The first Class Night at the “new” Allen County High School was in 1971. The theme was “The Age of Aquarius,” and it was the only one ever held in the auditorium. Mary Garnett was still director when Mr. Bazzell called her into his office and informed her of the location. She voiced her concerns about limited seating, to which he replied, “Work it out, Mrs. Richey!” Each senior was given four reserved seat tickets. There was still the traditional fountain, though Mary Garnett doesn’t remember where it was placed.

Throughout the rest of her teaching career, Mary Garnett periodically served as Class Night Director until retiring in 1995. She remembers Leatrice Cornwell filming the ceremony for many years, though she jokes her copies are probably brittle by now.

And who better to lean on than Mike Cooksey for photos from those early years?

Enjoy these snapshots as we step once again into one of Scottsville’s most timeless and beloved traditions.

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