THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, July 28, 1995 TAG: 9507260147
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: THUMBS UP
SOURCE: BY SUSAN W. SMITH, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 69 lines
Shirley Gilbert Cahoon worked in Chesapeake public schools for 33 years. She taught biology for 17 years, served as assistant principal at Western Branch High School and then went to Great Bridge High School as an assistant principal for 12 years before retiring in 1991.
Then she was called back for just a little more help.
``And I was delighted,'' said Cahoon when she was asked to serve on the steering committee for the new Hickory High School.
The steering committee, chaired by Carolyn Bernard, is composed of students and community members. Its main goal was to select the school mascot and colors.
``We chose black, teal, gray and white and the hawk,'' said Cahoon. ``And that's exciting and appropriate because a red-tail hawk now resides behind the school in Hickory.''
Cahoon was born in St. Brides and attended Hickory Elementary School. Her oldest sister, Mildred Gilbert Morris, was in the last 12-member graduating class of the old Hickory High School in 1946.
By the time Cahoon reached high school, Hickory High had consolidated with Great Bridge so she became a Great Bridge High graduate.
``It was a pleasure to serve on the committee, not only because I like helping in the community, but the resurrection of Hickory High is an exciting connection to my childhood and family.'' said Cahoon.
She remembers playing softball and football in nearby pastures, doing after-school chores, families that helped each other and a goldfish pond in front of the old school.
``When it was hot, some little boy would always accidentally fall into the pond. There was one teacher for each grade level, and families supplied canned goods to help with the lunch program. Cans of beans and corn lined the shelves on upstairs hallways. And a gold star on a poster was ample reward for a job well done,'' said Cahoon.
She and her husband, Arthur, tried life in Northern Virginia, where she taught school for a few years. But she missed Chesapeake, so they moved back to Great Bridge to make their home.
Now they take care of their elderly mothers, garden, travel and read good books.
``I like to drive down Indian Creek Road,'' said Cahoon. ``It's a peaceful, winding, tree-lined country road. It's so relaxing.''
But she bemoans the loss of trees and the growth along Cedar Road.
``Virginia is so beautiful, but Alaska is spectacular,'' said Cahoon, as she shared highlights of a trip to Alaska in May.
The Cahoons' next adventure will be a trip to Great Britain they have planned for next spring. Until then, they sometimes just disappear to Manteo or other natural areas, which they like better than major tourist attractions.
``First we have to take care of the garden,'' she explained. ``I have a very untidy yard but an absolutely beautiful garden. I do it just for fun.
``I'm thrilled about the new school. When the old Hickory High was phased out, I thought it was gone forever. Now, although the new school will be unique and have a separate identity, it still has a connection to our community's past.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by STEVE EARLEY
Shirley Gilbert Cahoon retired in 1991 after 33 years with the
Chesapeake public schools.
by CNB